GIVE UP ROCKALL - GREENPEACE TELLS BLAIR
London, 21st July 1997
Britain should renounce its territorial claim over the Atlantic oil-rock of Rockall and repeal the Rockall Act of 1972, Greenpeace Executive Director, Peter Melchett has told Tony Blair.
Greenpeace activists have been occupying the tiny, inhospitable island hundreds of miles out to sea in a high-tech solar survival capsule since June 10, to protest at new Government-approved oil development in the area and the unacceptable risk to the climate of adding to reserves of fossil fuels.
The UK's claim over Rockall is key to its oil ambitions in the Atlantic Frontier. Up to 30 major oil companies are already planning to search for oil following completion of a UK Government licensing round earlier this year.
But in a letter replying to correspondence from the Prime Minister, Peter Melchett argues that Greenpeace now has as good a claim to Rockall as anyone because it has occupied the island longer than anyone else - 42 days on July 22. (The UK's claim, it appears, is based on occasional sea-visits and on ex-SAS man, Tom Maclean who stayed on Rockall for 40 days in 1975)
"While Greenpeace does not want to "own" Rockall, we believe the UK should now give it up, " says Melchett. "It was made clear during the passage of the Rockall Bill that a purpose of the Government was to make Rockall part of the United Kingdom so as to allow it to licence the surrounding area for oil."
"We believe this is now clearly wrong as it is irresponsible of industrial nations with climate obligations to seek to open up new fossil fuel reserves while calling for less emissions from fossil fuels. As you know, it is impossible to burn all existing reserves without causing climate change beyond ecological limits."
Before Rockall was made a part of the United Kingdom in 1972 it was claimed by the Royal Navy for the Queen as part of the dominions of the Crown, by virtue of a ship visit in 1955. Greenpeace has asked Her Majesty the Queen for her support in reserving the Rockall area for the protection of the Global Commons, setting it aside from the threat of oil development.
Territorial claims over the area around Rockall - all motivated by the search for oil - have also been put forward by Ireland, Iceland and Denmark. Greenpeace is calling on the Government to relinquish all claims and to ensure the UK negotiates with the other nations to set this area aside from any thought of oil development. A world precedent could be set by the countries jointly agreeing not to develop the oil resources and to invest instead in renewable sources of energy, like solar power.
Another area to the north of Rockall is also the subject of a territorial dispute. Talks were held last week between the UK and Denmark to try and resolve the matter. If agreement is reached this is likely to lead to a new round of oil licensing.
Meanwhile, in the North East Atlantic area Greenpeace campaigners are engaged in direct action at sea, including attempts to disrupt seismic tests being undertaken by oil companies searching for oil. Greenpeace is angry that the UK did not comply with EC Directives which require that environmental assessments are carried out before oil exploration is given the green light. Climate is not the only environmental issue at stake - the area is home to whales, dolphins and a species-rich deep water coral. A High Court hearing is set for July 24 when Greenpeace will be seeking Leave for a full Judicial Review, as well as suspension of all oil exploration pending the outcome of the case.
Messages of support have been received from around the world for the continued occupation of Rockall. Greenpeace activists occupying Rockall come from the UK, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.
Note to Correspondents:
Interviews/media briefing notes or the latest video footage/stills available of direct action taken at sea by Greenpeace campaigners available on request.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Greenpeace Press Office on +44 (0)171-865 8255/6/7/8.