Fishing and farming concerns raised by MP
ISLES MP Alistair Carmichael has urged his fellow members to avoid “cutting out the feet” of fishermen through quota reallocation.
His comments came during a debate about the future of fishing after 2026 at parliament this week.
Carmichael noted the significant loans carried by many fishermen and the risk that reducing quota for current operators would do harm to the industry as a whole.
The Northern Isles representative said there were “serious practical considerations” for the industry – with skippers in Shetland and Orkney “carrying massive amounts of debt and loans” already.
“If we cut the feet out from underneath them in terms of quota reallocation and the rest, then actually the law of unintended consequences could be really severe for the people who have kept that industry going through the lean times,” he added.
Speaking after the debate, Carmichael said the debate showed there needed to be “proper preparation for negotiations on fishing quota” with the UK’s near neighbours.
“The review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU is fast approaching and it is clear that our European partners see fishing as a key element of negotiations,” he said.
“It is up to ministers to ensure that fishing interests are strengthened after the previous government’s rushed and slapdash deal in 2020.”
Meanwhile Carmichael also led an urgent question at the House of Commons on Monday about the implications of last week’s budget for farmers.
The Liberal Democrat MP was recently appointed chair of parliament’s environment, food and rural affairs (EFRA) select committee.
He said previously the UK Government had pledged not to raise inheritance tax for farmers, and urged ministers to publish data behind its decision-making for the changes.
Carmichael also questioned the compatibility of the budget with the government’s aim of increasing food security.
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“Building up strong and resilient farming communities should be a goal for anyone who cares about our environment, our food security and our economy,” he said after the urgent question was raised.
“At that heart of that goal surely has to be a full-throated defence of family farming up and down the country.
“There is still time for the government to take stock, listen to farming voices and build consensus around future tax rules.
“They should start by pressing pause – and giving us some transparency about how these plans came about in the first place.”
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