asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have made to European Union member states regarding the European Marine Strategy and proposed accompanying directive; what was the nature of those representations; and whether they will make any correspondence on this issue available to the public.[HL6704]

The marine strategy and proposed directive are being negotiated in Environment Council Working Party meetings¹. While welcoming action to better protect Europe's seas, the UK has expressed concerns that the directive, as drafted, risks excessive cost and bureaucracy for little added protection for Europe's marine environment. My department has undertaken a consultation exercise on the proposed marine strategy directive and will publish its response shortly.

¹ The UK has made its views clear to EU25 in the Environment Council Working Party meetings.