News / UK government sees fishing as ‘expendable’, says MSP
A HIGHLANDS and Islands list MSP has voiced her fear that Scotland’s fishing communities will see their interests “bartered away” by the UK government during negotiations over Brexit.
Many in the fishing industry were strong advocates of a Leave vote back in June, largely due to their disdain for Brussels’ Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
But the SNP’s Maree Todd said in a debate on sea fisheries and end-year negotiations that she was concerned fishing communities would be considered “expendable” by the Tory government.
“I do not doubt that there should be opportunities for fishing post-Brexit but, like many in my community, I fear that the UK Government will once again consider the industry to be expendable and barter away our interests.”
Speaking at the SNP conference on Saturday, she criticised the CFP and said Scotland should be able to develop its own relationship with Europe so that it can make fishing a priority in EU negotiations.
She said the region she represented contained some of Europe’s richest fishing grounds, pointing out that in 2014 Scotland exported £461 million of seafood to other EU countries – amounting to 60 per cent of all food exports to the EU.
Shetland’s fishing and seafood industries are worth in excess of £300 million a year, or around a third of the islands’ overall economy.
“I share the fishermen’s fury with the CFP,” she said. “I believe it has been a disaster for the fishing communities of Scotland, for the fishermen and for the fish.”
Todd asked: “Do any of us seriously believe that fishing rights in Scottish waters will take precedence over passporting arrangements for London’s financial sector?”
She added: “With negotiations coming up, only the Scottish Government will stand up for Scotland’s fishing communities because only the Scottish Government will stand up for the Scottish people.”
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
