STEVENSON CALLS ON BROWN TO STICK UP FOR SCOTLANDS FISHING INDUSTRY

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson today called on Gordon Brown to stick up for Scotland’s fishing industry on the news that changes to European fisheries regulation could potentially lead to a tide of foreign fisherman heading to the North Sea.

Under the European Commission proposal which received backing from the European Parliament yesterday (10 April) any unused UK fishing quota could be given to other major fishing nations. Under the proposal this could see the relocation of fishing quotas to countries such as Spain who would then be free to fish in Scottish waters.

Commenting on the vote Mr Stevenson said:

“The lack of support we have received from successive Westminster Governments with regards the Common Fisheries Policy has had a devastating impact on the fishing industry in my constituency of Banff & Buchan and I call on Gordon Brown to stand up for Scotland by coming out against this new proposal.

“The fishing industry still remains the lifeblood of many communities in Banff & Buchan despite its decline in light of the failed EU fishing policy. The implementation of this proposal would lead to further hardships for the industry.

“With Scotland recognised as a region rather than a nation we have the same number of MEP’s as Luxembourg and no representation in the Council of Ministers. This has meant reliance on the Westminster government to voice our concerns on EU policy. With protecting the Scottish fishing industry not a big vote winner in Westminster elections the Scottish fishing sector has been treated as an expendable commodity when it comes to shaping EU legislation.

“This we have recently seen in the shaping of the Lisbon Treaty. While the SNP has fought against the continuation of the Common Fisheries Policy as one of only 4 'exclusive competences' being recognised in the Treaty these calls have been ignored by Gordon Brown who has been more interested in seeking concession in other areas.

“While Westminster will no doubt continue to be indifferent to our calls we will look to work within our limited powers to make our voice heard and push for favourable change such as the deal brokered by the SNP government in December which gave Scotland the power to decide how fishing days at sea should be shared out.

With Fraserburgh the second biggest white fishing port in Europe it is imperative that we keep a close eye on what is happening in the European Union. While we are being well informed by our two SNP European Politicians Alyn Smith MEP and Ian Hudghton MEP who continue to stand up for Scottish Interests in Brussels we also need to call on the Labour Government at Westminster to do the same..