VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Highly Protected Marine Areas

Asked by Joe RobertsonConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 21 May 2025UIN 51685

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to increase the number of highly protected marine areas in English waters.

Answered by Emma Hardy

Defra is undertaking a review of the English Marine Protected Area network to look at whether sites are in the right places with the right protection. The review will explore ways to update protection and management approaches to better address the nature crisis and improve climate change resilience, while supporting wider Government priorities. Highly Protected Marine Areas are part of the scope of this review and whilst we currently have no plans for designating additional HPMAs we will assess what we have learned so far from the first 3 sites designated in 2023.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim