MP: 'On eve of Morecambe Bay cockling tragedy anniversary, we must never forget'

On the eve of the tenth anniversary of the Morecambe Bay cockling tragedy, South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for us to never forget and continue to work to improve safety on the sands.

The tragedy on the Bay led to the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act and the setting up of the Gangmaster Licensing Authority (GLA) to enforce it. The law was sped through in a matter of days following the deaths of 23 Chinese cockle pickers on February 5 2004.

The GLA has since successfully prosecuted 47 people for operating as a gangmaster without a licence since the law came in.

Tim said: "The tragedy was the impetus for the Government to take action against gang masters. As we reach the tenth anniversary of that awful day, we must re-double our efforts to keep the sands as safe as possible."