ENVIRONMENT Green activists exploited `Empress' spill for own ends
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A major environmental pressure groups exploited the Sea Empress tanker disaster for its own ends, a report alleged yesterday. It also claimed that there was a cosy relationship between conservationists and the media which descended on Wales to report the accident at Milford Haven last February.
According to Lessons from the Sea Empress, commissioned by the Institute of Welsh Affairs, a think-tank of business leaders and academics, both sides knew each other well. "They stayed in the same hotels and congregated in the same venues where one side was ready to contribute to the sound bite for the other that would capture public attention."
Although the report does not name names, Greenpeace is widely believed to be the body in mind.
The authors, Dr Neil Caldwell and Dr Clive Morgan, claim that business as usual is no longer an option for the area. They said the whole episode appeared to be swing between black farce and tragedy and recommended clearer lines of accountability for decisions that put the environment at risk.
Lessons from the Sea Empress, Institute of Welsh Affairs, Ty Oldfield, Llantrisant Road, Cardiff, CF5 2YQ pounds 5.00.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments