Government reassures Carmichael that fishing will be high on agenda in post Brexit talks

THE UK Government has confirmed it will consult with Scottish fisheries leaders ahead of crucial negotiations with the EU.

Fishing and access to UK waters are set to play a vital role in the talks between EU officials and the British government.

Minister for the constitution and European Union relations Nick Thomas-Symonds told the Commons he would shortly be meeting with representatives of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.

In an exchange in Parliament on Thursday, isles MP Alistair Carmichael had called on the minister to go into these EU negotiations as best prepared as possible.

The Orkney and Shetland MP said: “I met the EU Commission official who will be leading their side of the negotiations. It’s clear that she is informed of their industry’s priorities and she has a plan for achieving them.

“They see this as an important piece of work. The minister can only do what needs to be done if he’s prepared to engage with and to listen to the needs of our fishing industries and fishing communities.”

Carmichael said the forthcoming negotiations are seen by the industry as an opportunity to undo some of the damage that was done by Boris Johnson at the end of the Brexit negotiations.

“We are about to reach a critical moment for talks over future access and quotas – the EU are ready for these talks so the government must be prepared as well,” he said.

“We cannot afford for fishing to be treated as a second-class concern as it has been in the past.”

Thomas-Symonds told Parliament: “I will be meeting with representatives of the Scottish fishing industry in the very near future to discuss their interests in our fisheries relating to the EU under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

“I understand and recognise the very strong interest in what happens in 2026 when the arrangements that were negotiated by the previous government end.

“I will listen, I will engage and we will protect the interests of our fishers, and we will also fulfil our international obligations to protect our marine environment.”