London Tories View Scots' Fishing Policy As 'Expendable'

STEVENSON ON BROCKLEBANK RESIGNATION

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has criticised the Conservatives after they dropped their key fisheries policy of withdrawal from the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), but commended the Tory fisheries spokesman Ted Brocklebank for his principled resignation over the matter.

Tory MSP Ted Brocklebank resigned from his party's cabinet after the Conservative Party in London rode roughshod over policies made in Scotland, and ditched the policy of withdrawal from the CFP.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

                "Ted Brocklebank has taken a principled stand on the issue of withdrawal from the CFP and has resigned as his party's spokesperson after the London leadership forced the Scottish branch of the Tories to drop the policy.

                "It is entirely understandable that Mr Brocklebank should resign.  After all, he was once a candidate in Banff & Buchan, the constituency where fishing is more important than anywhere else in the country, and presumably learned a thing or two from fishermen during his visits here.

                "It does, however, leave Conservative fishing policy all at sea.  The Scottish fishing industry was once labelled as "expendable" in the Tory negotiations on entry into the EEC and it seems that a perfectly sensible policy made in Scotland for Scotland has been dumped by David Cameron and the Tory Head Office in London.

                "The Scottish fishing industry's only hope of scrapping the Common Fisheries Policy and regaining control of our own seas is through Independence and the SNP."