Scotland Must Have Seat at Top Table for Fisheries Negotiations

Scotland must have a seat at the top table for crucial fisheries negotiations next month – by sending Scotland’s Rural Economy Secretary to lead the UK delegation.

The talks will take place just days after the UK Election, raising the risk of a hung parliament leading to no functioning government or an inexperienced minister being sent to the talks.

Scotland makes up by far the largest part of the UK fishing industry and has world renowned expertise on fisheries. At EU Fisheries Councils, Flanders – which accounts for the overwhelming majority of Belgian fisheries products – leads the Belgian negotiating team as of right.

Speaking ahead of a the annual Holyrood debate on the end of year fisheries negotiations, SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson said:

“Scotland’s fishing industry needs an experienced and capable voice at these talks. The science is challenging and this is the last time for at least a year that Scotland and the UK is going to have a voice in EU talks on fisheries. So this isn’t the time to send someone with limited or no experience.

“We also know that the Tories have form when it comes to selling out Scotland’s fishing interests and it looks like they are gearing up to do so again.

“The UK government has already made clear that access to Scottish waters will be on the table in future trade talks with the EU, before these crucial annual EU negotiations take place.

“And any new trade barriers to Scottish seafood exports after Brexit will have a hugely damaging effect on the competitiveness of our industry.

“Scotland’s fishing industry needs a seat at the top table for these negotiations. We need a champion in the room fighting solely for Scottish interests. That’s why our Fisheries Minister Fergus Ewing should lead these negotiations on behalf of the UK.”