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Angry FOE challenges MP Banks to public debate
28 May 1996
Friends of the Earth is challenging Southport MP Matthew Banks [1] to a public debate following his recent tactic of talking out' a Bill which would have provided additional protection to Britain's best wildlife sites [2]. FOE is prepared to organise a public meeting at a time and place suitable to Mr Banks. Other prospective candidates for the Southport seat - Sarah Norman (Lab) and Ronnie Fern (Lib Dem) - have already indicated their willingness to attend.
Mr Banks claims [3] he didn't filibuster and that "after very friendly discussions with Friends of the Earth, a new Wildlife Bill number 2 has been introduced which is very similar." However, Mr Banks makes no mention of the fact that due to his delaying tactics there is not sufficient Parliamentary time for the Bill to proceed and so it is effectively blocked.
Tony Juniper, Deputy Campaigns Director at Friends of the Earth said:
"I hope that Mr Banks will accept our invitation to justify to the people of Southport why he killed off the Wildlife Bill, particularly as local Sites of Special Scientific Interest which the Bill could have protected are currently under threat. We are still bewildered as to why Mr Banks blocked legislation that had overwhelming support, including the Governments. His actions are tantamount to environmental vandalism."
ENDS
[1] Mr Banks is the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Environment Minister David Curry MP. He has a majority of just over 3000.
[2] Mr Banks talked out the Wildlife Bill on 8 May. The Bill had cross party support and the backing of Britain's major conservation groups and was seen as a crucial piece of legislation in protecting the countries SSSIs. Tory Whips said earlier this year that they hoped "it would be on the on the statute books in early summer".
[3] From a letter to a constituent.
[4] New information about Mr Banks will be available from FOE later this week.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Sep 2008
