FLYING THE NO SELL OUT FLAGS FOR THE UK FISHING INDUSTRY

A new initiative, Flying The No Sell Out Flags has been launched by the NFFO.

As the UK/EU withdrawal talks approach a critical stage, thousands of flags and wheelhouse stickers are delivering the fishing industry’s message to the Government and politicians in fishing ports across the country. In dozens of ports around the coast thousands of vessels are flying the No Sell Out flags urging the UK negotiators to stand firm against the EU’s pressure to maintain the present unfair quota shares and access for their fleets. NFFO chairman , Cornish fisherman Alan Pascoe spells it out in a letter accompanying the flags

“As you will already be aware, we are exerting a huge effort to secure the best outcomes for the UK fishing industry, as the UK leaves the EU.

Meetings have been held and assurances received from the Prime Minister, as well as secretaries of state at Defra and Dexeu, that the UK will become an independent coastal state outside the Common Fisheries Policy, as the UK leaves the EU.

We know that the EU will strongly resist this change and, as part of any withdrawal agreement, will seek to tie the UK back into the current access arrangements and quota shares.

It is extremely important, therefore, that the UK Government stands firm on fishing. To that end we have met with all the main political editors and held a very successful lobby day in Parliament attended by around 50 parliamentarians from right across the political spectrum.

To back up these efforts, we feel that it is important that there is visible support in the ports, and to that end we have produced a large number of flags, banners and stickers to display on your vessels, fish-markets and wheelhouses.

Hopefully, the flags and show of support will be amplified by the media – a picture can tell a story of a 1000 words.

If you require additional flags or stickers, these can be supplied.

Thank you for your support.

Yours

Andrew Pascoe

Chairman

National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisation”

Source