GOVERNMENT MUST RESIST ATTEMPTS TO ALLOW NEW FORMS OF WHALING - WILLIAMS

1.04.35pm GMT Thu 4th Feb 2010

Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, used today's DEFRA Oral Questions to press for a guarantee from the Minister that the British Government would resist all attempts to allow a new form of whaling, known as 'coastal whaling.'

Speaking after the question session, Roger Williams said:

"Whaling is a shockingly inhumane activity in which very little of the catch is actually used for anything constructive and has led to them being hunted to near extinction.

"Nations such as Japan and other whaling nations argue that their catches are used for scientific purposes, whilst this may be true it does not make it right.

"The possibility that a proposal may be put forward to allow a new type of whaling in the form of coastal whaling is very concerning and I wanted to ensure that the British Government will do all it can to resist these attempts.

"The Minister's response was very positive and I would agree with him on the need for reform of the IWC.

"I will be watching the outcome of the meeting in March very closely in the hope that all forms of commercial whaling will be phased out at the earliest possible opportunity."