Panorama And The Sea Empress Disaster

EDM number 566 in 1995-96, proposed by Paul Tyler on 04/03/1996.

That this House congratulates the BBC Panorama team on their programme, broadcast on 4th March, which exposed the dire consequences for the coastlines of South Wales, the Bristol Channel and the West Country of the six-day delay in refloating the 'Sea Empress'; expresses serious concern at the apparent failure to mobilise sufficient tug power to control, stabilise and move the tanker during this period, despite a series of offers; is dismayed that professional advice, based on local experience and expertise, was largely ignored; and calls on the Secretary of State for Transport to reiterate his commitment to ensure a comprehensive and independent investigation of all these matters, while guaranteeing that the polluter will pay.

This motion has been signed by a total of 52 MPs.