REAL PIRATES BAG MORE THAN HOLLYWOOD
As the long-awaited summer smash 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' opens across the UK, Bath's MP, Don Foster, who is also Lib Dem Shadow Transport Minister, warns that piracy is more of a threat than cinemagoers may think.

Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show that piracy is costing the world's economy US$480 million per week - that's nine times more than this latest Hollywood blockbuster has taken per week at the US Box Office.

According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), there has been a dramatic increase in armed attacks and pirate raids on merchant ships, with 2003 seeing the highest number of incidents (234) in the first six months of any year on record.

Commenting, Don said:

"While cinemagoers enjoy the drama and special effects, many will be surprised to learn that pirates are not just the mythical figures of Hollywood, but a real and increasing threat around the world.

"Piracy is costing the world economy $25 billion a year. That's more than 'Pirates of the Caribbean' will ever earn.

"Incidents are becoming more frequent and more violent, with gun-related episodes up 41% since 2002.

"Britain must work with the international community and the International Maritime Bureau to encourage those states in the piracy hotspots to work together to solve the problem."

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