Thank you to all of those who have shared their concerns with me about deep sea mining. I appreciate your passion for protecting our oceans and the need for a global regulatory framework to address the potential risks associated with this practice.

The UK has taken a cautious and conditional approach when it comes to deep-sea mining projects. The Government has agreed not to support the granting of any exploitation licenses until there is enough evidence about the potential impact on deep-sea ecosystems.

As a responsible international actor and a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the UK is actively involved in the ongoing negotiations at the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The Government is committed to working closely with partners who share our goal of ensuring the highest environmental standards are incorporated into the regulatory framework of the ISA.

To make well-informed policy decisions, the Government has commissioned an independent evidence review to examine the potential risks and benefits of deep-sea mining. This review, carried out by the British Geological Survey, the National Oceanography Centre, and Heriot-Watt University, was published in October 2022.

In addition, the UK has sponsored academic research and holds existing exploration licenses, which have resulted in over 70 peer-reviewed publications that contribute to a better understanding of the environmental issues associated with deep-sea mining. The Government is also providing funding for the SMARTEX project, which focuses on seabed mining and resilience to experimental impact in the Pacific abyss. This project aims to enhance our understanding of the ecosystem in that region.

The Government has emphasised its commitment to engaging in public consultation before making any decision regarding the issuance of deep-sea mining exploitation licenses sponsored by the UK. Gathering robust evidence and involving the public in decision-making processes is vital to ensure that any future deep-sea mining activities are carried out with the utmost consideration for our marine environment.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.