Marine / Fishing industry horrified by EU deal described as a ‘disgrace’
Salmon industry delighted with the cut in Brexit red tape
GRANTING EU vessels access to UK waters for another 12 years has been slammed as a “horror show for Scottish fishermen”.
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said the latest UK-EU deal, agreed last night, was “far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit agreement”.
Under the agreement, which has not been published yet, it is understood that EU fishing vessels will have access to UK waters until summer 2038.
Macdonald said the prime minister had made a deal to reset the relationship with the EU “on the backs of our fishermen and coastal communities”.
“This highlights the total indifference of the British political establishment to the interests of our fishing sector, with Sir Keir becoming the third prime minister after Edward Heath and Johnson to betray the industry,” Macdonald said.
“Any attempt by either the UK or EU to portray the new deal as a continuation of existing arrangements would be a lie, because in fact the Trade and Co-operation Agreement paved the way for annual access negotiations from 2026.
“Giving away a national asset such as our rich and healthy fishing grounds for no discernible benefit not only fails both of these tests but is a disgrace that will ensure the enmity of this proud industry for many years to come.”
Local skipper James Anderson, the chair of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) added that it was clear that the UK was not recognising the the value of protecting the country’s own fishing fleet and fishing grounds.
“Normally, nations negotiate fishing access and quota transfers on an annual basis,” he said.
“Overnight, the EU has been allowed to renege on annual negotiations and instead enjoy a 12 year deal – with UK fishing crews forced to give up their grounds and fish stocks again in exchange for what?
“This, unfortunately, is how our industry – which has so much more to offer – has been treated by successive governments.
“Fishing communities such as Shetland will remain hopeful that, one day, the UK will find its feet as an independent coastal state and finally conduct ourselves as such – denying EU vessels access to our productive seas without first paying for the privilege.”
Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA), added: “The outcome of this deal is an utter betrayal of the promises made to us on Brexit and the benefits it would bring to fishing, including control of our own waters.
“We met with the EU Director General last November who at that time was looking for a five-year extension for fishing opportunities in UK waters, and it beggars belief that this has been extended to 12 years, which ties the hands of future UK governments in negotiations.”
Isles MP Alistair Carmichael meanwhile described early reports of the deal as “exceptionally worrying”.
Details are expected to be published early this afternoon as part of a UK/EU summit in London.
Speaking this morning from Edinburgh Airport, the Orkney and Shetland MP said: “Some of the reports that are emerging are exceptionally worrying.
“Boris Johnson with his last minute intervention in 2020 cut a deal that was bad for just about every sector of the fishing industry.
“If it is true that these arrangements are now to be locked in for 12 years, then that is exceptionally bad news.
“Fisheries negotiations should never be traded off for some other area of policy. That has always been a shortcut to bad commercial and conservation practices.
“Unfortunately, that does not have seem to be understood by UK minister and officials.”
Highlands and Islands conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston added: “Labour’s shameful capitulation to EU negotiators will be a serious blow to the sector, both in Shetland and in fishing communities across Scotland.
“When I met with the sector in Lerwick only weeks ago, a multi-year deal was what they were most worried about. Now their fears have been realised, although this 12-year deal is far worse than expected.
“Rather than stand up for our coastal communities, Keir Starmer has caved to the European Union and, in doing so, has shamefully betrayed our fishermen.
Reports in national media say the UK has secured an indefinite agreement on easier checks for food, animal and other agricultural products, known as sanitary and phytosanitary goods (SPS), in exchange.
The Scottish salmon sector as well as the farming industry have meanwhile welcomed the outcome of the renegotiations and expect an ease in export restrictions.
Salmon Scotland’s chief executive, former Shetland MSP Tavish Scott, said the deal would reduce costly delays and red tape that have cost salmon export companies an estimated £3 million a year since Brexit.
France is the biggest market for Scottish salmon, with 500 lorryloads of fish from the Highlands and islands entering Europe each week.
He said:“We congratulate the UK Government on securing this deal with the EU, which will slash red tape and speed up the delivery of our premium salmon to market.
“The withdrawal of physical checks is particularly welcome. It means lower costs and quicker deliveries for our customers.
Since Brexit, our members have faced costly delays and bureaucracy moving 500 lorryloads of nutritious, low-carbon salmon across the Channel every week.“
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