The Queen v. Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, ex parte Greenpeace Limited

Abstract

Relationship of international law and municipal law — European Community legislation — European Community Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (“Habitats Directive”) — Geographical scope of Habitats Directive — Whether Habitats Directive applying to United Kingdom continental shelf and superjacent waters — United Kingdom transposing requirements of Habitats Directive into municipal law — Conservation (Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora) Regulations 1994 (“1994 Regulations”) — Application of 1994 Regulations limited to territorial sea — Whether 1994 Regulations complete and lawful implementation of Habitats Directive — Secretary of State for Trade and Industry failing to consider Habitats Directive in licensing process with respect to area beyond territorial sea — Whether legally erroneous — Whether public interest in compliance with Habitats Directive

Environment — Environmental protection — Habitats Directive aiming to protect lophelia pertusa and cetaceans — Whether oil exploration and production in Atlantic Frontier beyond territorial sea harmful to lophelia pertusa and cetaceans — Whether relevant provisions of Habitats Directive providing Greenpeace with grounds of challenge

Sea — Continental shelf — Exclusive fishery zone — Environmental protection — Whether EC environmental legislation extending to areas outside territorial waters — The law of England