Latest news with #Scottish
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
MSPs urged to 'seize historic opportunity' and back Ecocide Bill to jail polluters
Scotland could become the first UK nation to criminalise pollution under a landmark new law. Labour MSP Monica Lennon will today introduce the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill, which would create a new offence of 'causing severe environmental harm either intentionally or through recklessness'. The legislation could see individuals found guilty jailed for up to 20 years. Senior executives at companies where offences occur with their consent or neglect would also be held liable. As well as custodial sentences, convictions could lead to publicity orders, mandatory environmental remediation and unlimited financial penalties. READ MORE: MSP behind 'scary' Scottish Ecocide law says she hopes it's never used Polluters could have turnover seized and 20 years in prison under ecocide plans How Scotland's ecocide plans could help protect endangered orangutans in Indonesia Ms Lennon pointed to pollution in waterways and the legacy of contamination from heavy industry as examples of the damage the Bill seeks to tackle. Supporters argue the legislation fills a gap in the statute book and would bring Scotland in line with over a dozen countries and the European Union, which recently revised its Environmental Crime Directive to include conduct comparable to ecocide. An open letter urging MSPs to "seize this historic opportunity" and back the Bill has been signed by more than 100 figures from politics, law, science, business and civil society. Signatories include journalist George Monbiot, actor Will Attenborough, KC and author Philippe Sands, Ecotricity founder Dale Vince, and former Finnish deputy prime minister Pertti Salolainen. Their letter states: "With this Bill, Scotland positions itself at the forefront of a global shift in environmental justice. "It joins a rising number of jurisdictions turning bold words into binding law — strengthening protections at home while helping to shape emerging international norms that reflect both scientific reality and moral necessity. "The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill sends a clear message: mass destruction of nature is beyond unacceptable — it's criminal. With political will, the law can and must align with public conscience." Ms Lennon said the Bill would send a strong message to polluters. 'I am delighted to be publishing the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill in the Scottish Parliament today, on a strong foundation of cross-party and public support,' she said. 'With ecocide law, Scotland can take bold and necessary action against severe environmental damage. 'Environmental destruction is not some distant issue for the people of Scotland — it directly threatens health, livelihoods and the future of entire communities. 'From sewage spilling into waterways to toxic pollution left behind by heavy industry, the damage is real and ongoing. 'Ecocide is a crime against the common good, and those who commit widespread or irreversible harm should be held to account. 'This is a vital opportunity for Scotland to become the first UK nation to criminalise ecocide and signal that the destruction of nature will not be tolerated here.' Monica Lennon's ecocide Bill has cross-party support (Image: Gordon Terris) Mr Vince told The Herald that ecocide should be treated with the same legal gravity as other serious crimes. 'For me, it is a great idea — that it should be illegal to purposely, knowingly and deliberately cause harm to the environment, especially the kind of harm that endures for generations, is perfectly sensible. 'We have not had such a law, and I guess that is why I am backing it as well. And you can see the harm being done around the world in pursuit of money, because there is no law to stop people doing that kind of stuff. 'We have environment regulations and stuff like that, but no actual law that says it is against the law to impact the environment.' He said Scotland could lead the way and send a message to the UK Government: 'Westminster needs a bit of encouragement to be bold on the environment." Jojo Mehta, chief executive and co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, said: 'This Scottish Bill is a striking example of how national action can drive global change. 'Around the world, ecocide law is gaining ground as a vital tool — not just to punish environmental destruction, but to prevent it. 'While the ultimate goal is to have ecocide recognised as a serious crime globally, national laws play a crucial role in legitimising that goal, building momentum and providing accountability now. 'They help shape legal norms that are increasingly being reflected in international frameworks. 'From the new Council of Europe Convention, which enables states to prosecute acts 'tantamount to ecocide', to the formal proposal by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to make ecocide a core international crime, momentum is accelerating. 'Scotland's move adds meaningful weight to this shift, reinforcing the growing global consensus that mass destruction of nature must be treated as a crime, in law and in principle.' Scrutiny of the Bill is expected to begin before the summer recess, with a vote due later this year. If passed, the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill would require the Scottish Government to report on its operation after five years, including data on prosecutions, convictions and the law's environmental and financial impact.
North Wales Chronicle
2 hours ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Marine conservation group claims damage to seabeds is a ‘national scandal'
The conservation charity Open Seas made the comments as it published its Ocean Witness report, a major survey of seabeds within Scotland's marine protected areas (MPAs). The report – published in the run-up to the global UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June – is based on more than 300 seabed surveys that were carried out during a five-month period, with the work done in collaboration with Greenpeace UK. It found that while habitats like maerl beds – which are formed by special seaweeds in shallow seabeds – and seagrass meadows are 'crucial parts of our biodiversity', it claimed in some areas these 'remain unprotected from destructive fishing practices'. Open Seas – which successfully took the Scottish Government to court in 2023 – said while MPAs had been brought in 'to safeguard Scotland's most vulnerable marine ecosystems', it added that 'numerous MPAs lack effective management measures'. As a result, it claimed this allowed 'harmful fishing practices', such as bottom trawling and scallop dredging to persist within their boundaries. 'This ongoing damage not only undermines the intended conservation goals but also threatens the very habitats these MPAs were established to protect,' the report stated. Open Seas said its surveys 'uncovered clear evidence that in many cases these so-called 'protected' areas are merely lines on a map with little real world impact on marine conservation'. One of the examples given was the Papa Westray MPA, which is located at the north end of the island of Papa Westray in Orkney. The group said that despite the area being designated as an MPA 'there are still no restrictions against trawling and dredging within or even near the area'. This, the report said, made it 'yet another example of a protected area that exists in name and not in practice'. The Open Seas research found that marine habitats in areas such as Papa Westray as well as Loch Creran in Argyll and Bute and the Sound of Jura on the west of Scotland are 'actively degraded'. Open Seas accused the Scottish Government of failing to meet international targets under the UN convention on biological diversity and the global biodiversity framework. The campaigning charity also claimed Scottish ministers have 'broken their own promises to protect the most sensitive and important' marine habitats. Open Seas director Phil Taylor said: 'Scotland's marine protections are failing by design. 'Despite public statements and legal commitments, the Scottish Government is allowing destructive fishing inside supposedly protected areas. 'These failures are not only national scandals – they breach Scotland's international obligations to halt biodiversity loss and restore the health of our seas. 'We have heard repeated promises to deliver for our seas and the coastal communities who rely on them from Scottish ministers – sadly those promises have been broken just as regularly.' Mr Taylor continued: 'These are not just technical oversights – they are policy choices that carry environmental, legal and reputational risks. 'Scotland likes to be seen as a leader on the environment. But, as this report shows, we are still dragging our heels while the seabed is being dragged into decline. That must change, starting now.' Will McCallum, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: 'The lessons learnt in Scotland must be applied in all UK waters – allowing destructive industrial fishing practices like bottom trawling in marine protected areas is causing damage to fragile marine ecosystems and results in severe ecosystem degradation which is bad for everyone.' However, he said the research had also shown that 'where areas are meaningfully protected, marine life can recover and flourish' – adding that this 'should give us hope for the oceans'. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Management measures for the most vulnerable sites in the MPA network were implemented in 2016. 'Putting in place the remaining fisheries management measures for MPAs and further measures for the 11 Priority Marine Features most at risk from bottom trawling outside MPAs remains a top priority for this Government. 'Fisheries management measures will be implemented in 2025 for Offshore MPAs and as soon as possible for Inshore sites following the completion of the required statutory assessments and public consultation.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How Netflix's Department Q went from Scandi noir to Tartan noir
Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen had just three books to his name when he first offered the screen rights to American writer Scott Frank. Fifteen years later, there are now 10 books in the series and the first, Department Q, has just been made into a major Netflix series which has been relocated to Scotland. "It wasn't for the lack of trying," said Scott, whose Oscar-nominated work includes Out Of Sight and Logan. "We did try an American version which we were going to set in Boston but it just didn't feel right." It was while preparing for the Netflix drama, The Queen's Gambit, in Berlin that he was first persuaded that a Scandi noir could become a Tartan noir. "I emailed him, more in hope than expectation," said executive director Rob Bullock. "We had lunch in Berlin, we talked about what a great book it was, the humour and the twists, and then it took six years to get into production." They began to look for UK cities which might be able to accommodate the production. Edinburgh - with its varied locations, crew base, and studio space – was already top of the list when Scott arrived to check the city out. "The first thing he said when he got off the bus on the Royal Mile was 'I love this place, we're going to film here'," said Rob. Matthew Goode plays the main character, DCI Carl Morck, a damaged and shambolic detective who heads up the department of misfits of the title. Best known for period dramas like Brideshead Revisited, or Downton Abbey, he said he loved playing the character. "I found it very freeing," he added. "All these characters have trauma but they're also hilarious, you really root for him. "He's so rude to people that their eyebrows shoot off their faces." Scott Frank says the Scottish setting also allowed him to focus on the humour of the original novels. The Scottish cast, which includes Mark Bonar, Kelly Macdonald, Shirley Henderson, Jamie Sives and Kate Dickie, agree. "I think it translates well," said Kate, who plays Chief Inspector Moira Jacobson. "There's a similar grittiness to Scotland and Denmark and there's a dry humour in the language which Scott captures so well. "He listens to the way you speak, the rhythms and the words you use and he works that into the script. "I'm very sweary and the longer he was round me the swearier my character Moira became." Scott has also been absorbing authentic Scots dialogue. He said: "I remember when I discovered the word doolally, I thought I have to find a way to include that. "The cast came up with their own phrases too. Kelly Macdonald introduced me to 'not having a scooby'." Scott added he was delighted the book he's championed for almost two decades has now made it to the small screen, but he says it's up to audiences whether Department Q has a sequel. He said: "The last three shows I made were meant to be one and done. "There was no more to say but I'd love to do more with this and the next book in the series is even more interesting and relevant." More stories from Edinburgh, Fife & East More stories from Scotland
Glasgow Times
4 hours ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Marine conservation group claims damage to seabeds is a ‘national scandal'
The conservation charity Open Seas made the comments as it published its Ocean Witness report, a major survey of seabeds within Scotland's marine protected areas (MPAs). The report – published in the run-up to the global UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June – is based on more than 300 seabed surveys that were carried out during a five-month period, with the work done in collaboration with Greenpeace UK. It found that while habitats like maerl beds – which are formed by special seaweeds in shallow seabeds – and seagrass meadows are 'crucial parts of our biodiversity', it claimed in some areas these 'remain unprotected from destructive fishing practices'. Open Seas – which successfully took the Scottish Government to court in 2023 – said while MPAs had been brought in 'to safeguard Scotland's most vulnerable marine ecosystems', it added that 'numerous MPAs lack effective management measures'. As a result, it claimed this allowed 'harmful fishing practices', such as bottom trawling and scallop dredging to persist within their boundaries. 'This ongoing damage not only undermines the intended conservation goals but also threatens the very habitats these MPAs were established to protect,' the report stated. Open Seas said its surveys 'uncovered clear evidence that in many cases these so-called 'protected' areas are merely lines on a map with little real world impact on marine conservation'. One of the examples given was the Papa Westray MPA, which is located at the north end of the island of Papa Westray in Orkney. The group said that despite the area being designated as an MPA 'there are still no restrictions against trawling and dredging within or even near the area'. This, the report said, made it 'yet another example of a protected area that exists in name and not in practice'. The waters around Papa Westray – where Ocean Seas said there were 'no real protections' in place, despite it being a designated MPA (Open Seas/PA) The Open Seas research found that marine habitats in areas such as Papa Westray as well as Loch Creran in Argyll and Bute and the Sound of Jura on the west of Scotland are 'actively degraded'. Open Seas accused the Scottish Government of failing to meet international targets under the UN convention on biological diversity and the global biodiversity framework. The campaigning charity also claimed Scottish ministers have 'broken their own promises to protect the most sensitive and important' marine habitats. Open Seas director Phil Taylor said: 'Scotland's marine protections are failing by design. 'Despite public statements and legal commitments, the Scottish Government is allowing destructive fishing inside supposedly protected areas. 'These failures are not only national scandals – they breach Scotland's international obligations to halt biodiversity loss and restore the health of our seas. Together with Greenpeace UK, Open Seas carried out more than 300 seabed surveys as part of the research (Open Seas/PA) 'We have heard repeated promises to deliver for our seas and the coastal communities who rely on them from Scottish ministers – sadly those promises have been broken just as regularly.' Mr Taylor continued: 'These are not just technical oversights – they are policy choices that carry environmental, legal and reputational risks. 'Scotland likes to be seen as a leader on the environment. But, as this report shows, we are still dragging our heels while the seabed is being dragged into decline. That must change, starting now.' Will McCallum, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: 'The lessons learnt in Scotland must be applied in all UK waters – allowing destructive industrial fishing practices like bottom trawling in marine protected areas is causing damage to fragile marine ecosystems and results in severe ecosystem degradation which is bad for everyone.' However, he said the research had also shown that 'where areas are meaningfully protected, marine life can recover and flourish' – adding that this 'should give us hope for the oceans'. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Management measures for the most vulnerable sites in the MPA network were implemented in 2016. 'Putting in place the remaining fisheries management measures for MPAs and further measures for the 11 Priority Marine Features most at risk from bottom trawling outside MPAs remains a top priority for this Government. 'Fisheries management measures will be implemented in 2025 for Offshore MPAs and as soon as possible for Inshore sites following the completion of the required statutory assessments and public consultation.'
Powys County Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Marine conservation group claims damage to seabeds is a ‘national scandal'
Marine campaigners have accused Scottish ministers of continuing to allow 'destructive' fishing practices to be carried out in protected areas – claiming this not only breaches international obligations but is a 'national scandal'. The conservation charity Open Seas made the comments as it published its Ocean Witness report, a major survey of seabeds within Scotland's marine protected areas (MPAs). The report – published in the run-up to the global UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June – is based on more than 300 seabed surveys that were carried out during a five-month period, with the work done in collaboration with Greenpeace UK. It found that while habitats like maerl beds – which are formed by special seaweeds in shallow seabeds – and seagrass meadows are 'crucial parts of our biodiversity', it claimed in some areas these 'remain unprotected from destructive fishing practices'. Open Seas – which successfully took the Scottish Government to court in 2023 – said while MPAs had been brought in 'to safeguard Scotland's most vulnerable marine ecosystems', it added that 'numerous MPAs lack effective management measures'. As a result, it claimed this allowed 'harmful fishing practices', such as bottom trawling and scallop dredging to persist within their boundaries. 'This ongoing damage not only undermines the intended conservation goals but also threatens the very habitats these MPAs were established to protect,' the report stated. Open Seas said its surveys 'uncovered clear evidence that in many cases these so-called 'protected' areas are merely lines on a map with little real world impact on marine conservation'. One of the examples given was the Papa Westray MPA, which is located at the north end of the island of Papa Westray in Orkney. The group said that despite the area being designated as an MPA 'there are still no restrictions against trawling and dredging within or even near the area'. This, the report said, made it 'yet another example of a protected area that exists in name and not in practice'. The Open Seas research found that marine habitats in areas such as Papa Westray as well as Loch Creran in Argyll and Bute and the Sound of Jura on the west of Scotland are 'actively degraded'. Open Seas accused the Scottish Government of failing to meet international targets under the UN convention on biological diversity and the global biodiversity framework. The campaigning charity also claimed Scottish ministers have 'broken their own promises to protect the most sensitive and important' marine habitats. Open Seas director Phil Taylor said: 'Scotland's marine protections are failing by design. 'Despite public statements and legal commitments, the Scottish Government is allowing destructive fishing inside supposedly protected areas. 'These failures are not only national scandals – they breach Scotland's international obligations to halt biodiversity loss and restore the health of our seas. 'We have heard repeated promises to deliver for our seas and the coastal communities who rely on them from Scottish ministers – sadly those promises have been broken just as regularly.' Mr Taylor continued: 'These are not just technical oversights – they are policy choices that carry environmental, legal and reputational risks. 'Scotland likes to be seen as a leader on the environment. But, as this report shows, we are still dragging our heels while the seabed is being dragged into decline. That must change, starting now.' Will McCallum, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said: 'The lessons learnt in Scotland must be applied in all UK waters – allowing destructive industrial fishing practices like bottom trawling in marine protected areas is causing damage to fragile marine ecosystems and results in severe ecosystem degradation which is bad for everyone.' However, he said the research had also shown that 'where areas are meaningfully protected, marine life can recover and flourish' – adding that this 'should give us hope for the oceans'. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Management measures for the most vulnerable sites in the MPA network were implemented in 2016. 'Putting in place the remaining fisheries management measures for MPAs and further measures for the 11 Priority Marine Features most at risk from bottom trawling outside MPAs remains a top priority for this Government. 'Fisheries management measures will be implemented in 2025 for Offshore MPAs and as soon as possible for Inshore sites following the completion of the required statutory assessments and public consultation.'
