THE European Union is denying responsibility for banning a vintage pleasure boat, which took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk, from sailing out of its home port of Scarborough up the East Coast to Whitby.
The MV Coronia, built in 1935, which brought 900 troops home from France, should restart her traditional trips from Scarborough to Whitby, the European Commission has told local MEP Edward McMillan-Scott.
Under UK law vintage cruisers are banned f
rom travelling more than 15 nautical miles from their port of departure. When challenged over its ruling, which has stopped many pleasure cruises, the Department of Transport has said it is following EU law.
However, the Commission has now told Mr McMillan-Scott, Conservative MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, that the UK Government has devised its own version of the law.
EU safety laws actually state that vessels are required to be 15 miles from "a place of refuge".
The UK interpretation has confined the Coronia to taking holidaymakers on short voyages instead of 17 miles to Whitby. Also affected is the Bridlington-based Yorkshire Belle.
The Coronia's master, Tom Machin, 65, who spent £130,000 last year bringing the vessel up to the highest safety standards, has lost up to £50,000 in the last two summers because of the ban.
He said: "I am delighted to have confirmation on the public record that it is Whitehall, not Brussels, which has ruined my livelihood and the pleasure of thousands."
Mr McMillan-Scott has led a campaign in support of the Coronia, including presenting a 13,000-signature petition, supported by Sir Jimmy Savile, to the Prime Minister.
This remains unanswered by the Government along with letters and emails written by the MEP and Scarborough and Whitby Conservative MP Robert Goodwill to outgoing Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly.
Mr McMillan-Scott is renewing calls for the Government to reverse its decision and said he would seek compensation for the owners for loss of earnings.
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