MP Alan Whitehead has thrown his weight behind plans to protect Hampshire's marine life and to allow for the development of offshore renewable energy farms.

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead backed proposals for new legislation to halt destruction of the UK's marine environment, including the Solent.

He called for the creation of a Marine Bill to protect seas from harmful activities such as dredging, oil and gas drilling and over-fishing at a recent meeting of environmental coalition the Wildlife and Countryside Link.

He also highlighted the importance energy developments such as wind farms can have in protecting the marine areas.

Dr Whitehead said: "It is vital that we have a Marine Bill laid before Parliament as soon as possible.

"The UK has around it some of the most important coastal waters in the world both in terms of natural diversity and intensive use.

"It is crucial to obtain protection for the natural marine environment whilst ensuring that we can secure renewable energy from the sea and enable productive use of the sea for leisure and commercial purposes.

"The clear use arrangements represented by a Bill would be very good news for the Solent which has some of the most heavily used and scientifically interesting waters in the country."

He added that The UK is at risk of failing to meet its international biodiversity targets unless marine legislation is introduced in the next Queen's Speech.