MINISTERS URGED TO BASE NEW MARITIME AGENCY IN CORNWALL (Julia Goldsworthy)

Julia Goldsworthy <info@juliagoldsworthy.org>

MINISTERS URGED TO BASE NEW MARITIME AGENCY IN CORNWALL

December 16, 2008 4:00 PM

In a Whitehall meeting this morning Government Ministers were urged to select a site in Cornwall as the base for a new organisation responsible for safeguarding the seas. Between 300 and 350 jobs would come to Cornwall if the new organisation comes to the county.

After consideration of every council in England, Carrick has been included on the Defra shortlist of potential homes for the new Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The Carrick bid faces stiff competition from its Westcountry neighbours in Plymouth, and six other sites across the country. A decision on the organisation's location is expected to be announced in the next few days.

Local MPs Julia Goldsworthy and Matthew Taylor met with Ministers to champion the Cornish case. They highlighted the maritime traditions of Truro and Falmouth that stretch back for generations.

The Marine Maritime Organisation will replace the current Marine and Fisheries Agency and is being set up as a focal point for national marine expertise. Some of these jobs will be transfers from London, others completely new. The organisation will be tasked with providing a consistent and unified approach to marine policy. It will tackle marine issues such as the regulation of the new marine planning system and the enforcement of environmental protection laws.

Commenting, Julia said:

"The Marine Maritime Organisation will create up to 350 high quality jobs and be a centre for expertise on all things marine. The combined effects of low local wages and the global economic crisis mean that the creation of new and prestigious jobs couldn't be more welcome in Cornwall. After our meeting let's hope the Government feels the same."

Matthew Taylor added:

"We are expecting the Government to announce the chosen site for the Marine Maritime Organisation any day now. At this morning's meeting Julia Goldsworthy and I made sure that the Minister heard the case for choosing Carrick. Whilst competition is stiff we think that we have an excellent bid."