Letters / There is only one CFP…
Just a small comment on your story Discard ban concerns (SN; 28/09/15).
SNP MEP Ian Hudghton tells us “Discards were, however, part and parcel of the old and discredited CFP.”
He then goes on to tell us: “Fishermen must be allowed to adapt and develop new systems to comply with the new regime.”
It is like a needle stuck in a crack on an old 78 record, but it is well worth repeating. There is no “old and discredited CFP.”
There is only one CFP, the one the UK signed up to, that of Equal Access to a Common Resource, without discrimination.
The problem of discards is down to the quota system, which is part of the derogation from the real, unchanged CFP. There is no “new regime”, simply an add on to the derogation.
“The Commission must move away from governing by central diktat.”
Sorry to disappoint you, Mr Hudghton, but the Treaty of Amsterdam explicitly forbids any powers given up, being returned to the member states.
Magnie Stewart
Bressay
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.