The ESG would like to inform the community that MEP Graham Watson, will be visiting the Rock on the 10th February and will in the course of his visit be focusing on two key environmental issues.

The MEP will first meet with the ESG and David Dumas QC of Hassans International Law Firm, to discuss the ongoing official complaint in Brussels regarding environmental compliance by CEPSA Oil Refinery and the ever expanding petrochemical complex in the Bay.

The ESG will then accompany Mr Watson to Western Beach where a protest will be held on both sides of the border as from 6pm.  Citizens and environmental groups will demand that urgent action is needed to stop raw sewage being discharged into the area by the La Linea authority, which has resulted in indefinite beach closure (see link http://www.environmental-agency.gi/beachresult.php?beachid=6 for levels of contamination in this area).

Spanish Environmental groups are hoping to hold a parallel protest on their side of the border at the same time given this pollution is also affecting their marine environment and citizens too.

A clear cross border issue, we are hoping this problem can receive maximum assistance from the visiting MEP. Mr Watson will receive a petition by beach users and NGO’s for the Petitions Committee at the European Parliament, as well as a dossier and official complaint by the ESG which the MEP can submit to the Commission itself.

It is expected the protest will last half an hour or so – the ESG urge everyone concerned to be there on time.”