Bognor Regis MP Presses Government Over Baltic Klipper Clean-Up Costs

The MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton has renewed calls to ensure the clean-up following the Baltic Klipper incident continues until all debris is removed – and that local taxpayers are not left with any of the costs.

Alison Griffiths raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, where she praised community groups, volunteers and residents who have led clean-up efforts along the West Sussex coastline.

Sixteen containers were lost overboard from the Baltic Klipper, prompting concerns about pollution, environmental damage and who will ultimately pay for the recovery operation.

Speaking in the Commons, Alison asked the Prime Minister to facilitate a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss the wide-ranging concerns that have emerged since the incident.

She also pressed for assurances that all clean-up costs would be recovered from those responsible – including the ship’s owners, charterers and their insurers.

In response, the Prime Minister thanked everyone involved in the response to the incident, describing local volunteers as “the very best”.

He said liability clearly rests with the polluter and added that his expectation is for local authorities to recover the costs incurred.

He also confirmed that a ministerial meeting would be arranged to discuss the matter further.

Commenting afterwards, Alison Griffiths said the damage to beaches and marine wildlife had been devastating, but praised the strength of the local response.

She said residents want their beaches fully restored, all debris removed and reassurance that they will not face additional costs through council tax.

Alison added that she has already written to local authorities and government agencies involved in the clean-up and hopes they can work together to resolve the situation.

The MP has also submitted a number of written Parliamentary Questions to the Government to ensure lessons are learned from the incident and to help prevent similar events in the future.