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Ghost fleet must be refused entry to UK waters
3 November 2003
Friends of the Earth today called on the UK Government to make it clear that toxic ships from the US ghost fleet will not be allowed to enter UK waters. Earlier today, Environment Minister Elliot Morley re-iterated in the House of Commons that the Environment Agency, as the UK authority with responsibility for the boats, had called for the ships to be returned to the United States. But Mr Morley did not make it clear whether or not the boats would be allowed to enter British coastal waters.
Friends of the Earth's director, Tony Juniper said:
"The US Government is ignoring calls from the Environment Agency for these `ghost fleet ' shipsto be returned to the United States. Perhaps they would listen if Environment Minister Elliot Morley made it clear that these toxic hulks will not be allowed to enter UK waters. The most sensible option is for these boats to turn round and be safely disposed of in the USA which already has the capacity to deal with them."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
