Conservation group backs oil law change

A BIRD conservation group is backing moves by East Lothian MP Anne Moffat to tighten up the law on ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Forth.

Ms Moffat is opposing controversial plans to allow millions of tonnes of Russian crude oil to be transferred between tankers in the Firth of Forth. She has warned an accident would have a "devastating" effect on wildlife.

And she wants Westminster to change shipping laws so the plans could be blocked.

Now Stuart Housden, director of RSPB Scotland, has said: "Many people are concerned about the possible impacts of ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Forth.

"We now need Westminster to step up and increase its powers over shipping."