Greens warn oil transfers open to legal action

UK Government ministers were today urged to act over controversial plans for ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Forth.

Lothians Green MSP Robin Harper said new powers agreed by the Scottish Parliament to block transfers would be open to challenge in the courts, but if Westminster brought in new regulations it could impose a final veto.

MSPs agreed in July to amend environmental regulations, giving ministers the power to "call in" proposals that might affect protected habitat sites.

But Mr Harper said: "This can be challenged in the courts. Nothing is certain, so we want a belt and braces on this and that is for Westminster to introduce legislation."