SCOTTISH FISHERMEN SLAM STARMER’S EU DEAL AS ‘HORROR SHOW’ AND BETRAYAL OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES

Scottish Fishermen Slam Starmer’s EU Deal as ‘Horror Show’ and Betrayal of Coastal Communities

Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “This deal is a horror show for Scottish fishermen, far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit agreement.

“It is clear that Sir Keir Starmer made the whole deal on the backs of our fishermen and coastal communities, granting EU vessels 12 years of continuous access to UK waters at the last minute in order secure other objectives.

“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.

“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.

“At the weekend, Sir Keir said the deal would be measured against how much it would improve job prospects and allow our communities to flourish.

“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.”

Reacting to the UK/EU trade agreement revealed today, James Anderson – skipper of whitefish vessel Alison Kay (LK 57) and chair of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association – said:

“The fact is that we are sadly not like Iceland, or Norway, or a country that still recognises the value of protecting our own fishing fleet and fishing grounds. Normally, nations negotiate fishing access and quota transfers on an annual basis. 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.”

Daniel Lawson, Executive Officer for Shetland Fishermen’s Association, added:

“For the EU, this deal has been like taking fishing rights from a baby. The Prime Minister knew full well the fishing industry’s hopes, and the potential opportunities at hand. He has not listened, those opportunities are wasted, and now hard-working fishermen pay the price for this submission. Every benefit the UK Government lists is also a benefit to the EU: which is not the mark of a triumphant negotiation. If the UK Government can’t see the value of our waters, they should consider why the EU has pushed so hard to secure fishing access for so long.”

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Image © Fish Focus