Court bid to keep rusting 'ghost fleet' out of UK
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.The fate of a "ghost fleet" of dilapidated American ships which are to be broken up in Britain will be decided in court today after concerns about hazardous materials on board.
The 13 US Navy ships, containing PCBs, asbestos and heavy diesel, are destined to sail across the Atlantic to Hartlepool in Teeside.
But a judge at the Federal District Court for the district of Columbia will decide whether to grant a temporary restraining order against the US Maritime Administration.
The motion was lodged at a court in Washington yesterday by American environmentalists who feared a catastrophe if the ships broke up during the voyage.
The Environment Agency in Britain gave its approval to the deal following "stringent" examinations of the plant run by Able UK where the ships will be scrapped.
But Norman Baker, the environment spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, said the £16m deal was an "environmental disaster in the making". He said: "Britain should not be used as a rubbish dump for dangerous chemicals from the US or any other country."
Able UK accused its critics of "scare mongering".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments