Am I under a misapprehension I thought the draft strategy was circulated for specific "eyes only" consultation and that the final document was going to be in the public domain for the "consultation period" If this is correct we have got to get a move on and get some responses to the posts.
The strategy is still in the process of being drafted by DEFRA and the inshore working group, and it was felt that it is not yet ready for public circulation.
Until the drafting organisations are agreed upon the content, what needs to be in there, what needs to be removed, there is little value in opening it up for wider comment.
The RSA sub group of the Inshore Working Group, have been carefully working through the original draft (put together by a number of RSA organisations, from a larger group of RSA organisations that were invited to participate), with DEFRA taking notes of the discussions.
That phase has now been completed, and DEFRA have re-drafted the strategy from their working notes.
At a recent 'RSA meets DEFRA meeting', those attending (individuals and organisations) were also invited to provide their feedback on the current draft.
I asked whether we could publish it on the SACN website, but those present all felt that it would be best until we had a more complete document, ready for wider consultation.
I then asked whether SACN could distribute it to the SACN membership, so that we could effectively respond as an organisation, to which they agreed.
(It is unfortunate that the unfinished document has now been leaked, as I doubt that we shall be trusted in future not to reveal documents in the public domain until those drafting the documents consider them to be ready, increasing the likelihood of secrecy in future, rather than moving towards a more open policy of responsibility and mutual trust).
My understanding is that DEFRA will now take onboard comments, perhaps amend the document in the light of those comments, and decide whether the amendments need to be debated by the RSA sub group before the document is released into the public domain for wider consultation.
So, we shouldn't assume what will be in the final draft document, but should be ready to recieve it, consult amongst ourselves, and be in a position to offer constructive input into the consultation process.
Something to be borne in mind is that it is the government that will decide on any issues, and although we can express our opinions through the consultation process, it will be Ben Bradshaw the Minister (acting perhaps, or rejecting if he has a mind to, upon the advice given by his officials within DEFRA, and bearing in mind the viewpoints of all stakeholders), who will make the decisions.
RSA has no bargaining power to offer up, or to deliver, anything in exchange for anything else.
So, as well as presenting constructive suggestions and arguments to DEFRA and the stakeholders within the inshore working group, it is also necessary to lobby MPs etc to try to ensure political backing for our case.
(SACN has had this comment back this morning :)
Congratulations, Leon, on a very professional paper. Best wishes from Robert Key.
Robert Key
Member of Parliament for Salisbury
House of Commons
So, yes get organised now, start putting the arguments together, not just for what we don't want (which we'll probably get anyway), but perhaps more importantly for what we do want that might make some of what we don't want slightly more acceptable).
And get writing to those MPs so that they start to realise that something is afoot that could affect them at the next elections.
see:
http://www.sacn.org.uk/Useful-Information-and-Contacts/Regards, leon
