6. Debate on the Petitions Committee Report: Petition P-05-785 Suspend Marine Licence 12/45/ML to dump radioactive marine sediments from the Hinkley Point nuclear site into Wales coastal waters off Cardiff

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:27 pm on 23 May 2018.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 5:27, 23 May 2018

There is no scientific basis for any further testing or assessments to be done, so I think if they did that, that would set out a very dangerous precedent.

NRW have made information available on their website, and I hope, again, this provides reassurance on the robustness of the decision-making process undertaken. I have listened very carefully to the points raised today, and as I stated at the outset, I do acknowledge concerns. Welsh seas and coasts are a real jewel in our crown, and we strive for them to be recognised for being clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse. It's very important, as a nation, we are able to balance the need to protect our marine environment, to protect human health and deliver sustainable use of our seas.

As Members are aware, I've consulted on our first Welsh national marine plan, and this builds on the strong progress we're already making in the stewardship of our seas, supporting our goal of delivering good environmental status of the marine ecosystem. We're making a significant contribution towards the ecological coherence of the network of marine protected areas, whilst protecting and enhancing the marine environment through both the management of pressures and a robust consenting regime. So, although I'm unable to comment specifically on this matter, I note the committee's report, and I will ask Natural Resources Wales to review the way they've communicated the messages in relation to this marine licence and the decisions made.

I think David Melding's point about engaging with the public much more clearly is very important, and I think there are lessons that we can learn for future decisions and the sharing of information, particularly those that are technical in nature, to ensure that those clear messages and outcomes are well understood by all. Diolch.