Cross Channel Declaration signed by Devon County Council

Devon County Council has today (Wednesday 20 March) signed a new agreement with French authorities to reduce the threat of pollution from shipping incidents in the English Channel.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, who represents Devon County Council at the Local Government Association’s Coastal Special Interest Group, has signed the “Cross Channel Declaration” in France at the Cross Channel Forum.

The declaration, co-ordinated by the European funded CAMIS (Channel Arc Manche Integrated Strategy), is a Franco-British co-operation project. It is pressing for a change in policy to tackle maritime pollution.

Devon County Council is among the first authorities to support the agreement after raising concerns over a number of incidents in the English Channel and off the region’s coasts in recent years.

Councillor Hughes said: “We are demanding change and signing this Declaration is a statement of our intent. There have been a number of incidents in the English Channel so it’s right that we respond accordingly and I’m delighted that we’re among those spearheading this agreement. I am sure all local authorities in England and France will join us in lobbying for better protection against pollution off our coastline and in our seas.”

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities, said: “It’s recognised that legislation has to be improved to safeguard our communities, coasts and seas against maritime pollution. Authorities can work more closely by signing this agreement and I hope others will join forces with us through this Declaration.”

The Cross Channel Declaration will eventually aim to support the lobbying of key organisations, such as the International Maritime Organisation, to provide greater safeguards against shipping pollution.