The SNP has slammed Boris Johnson for blatantly lying to Scottish fishermen during his campaign visit north of the border.
Speaking to the press during the so-called ‘essential’ visit to Scotland, Johnson chose to repeat false claims that North Sea cod and North Sea haddock will see “big increases” in quota and a “25% increase in overall quota in just the next few years”.
Earlier this month, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation wrote to the Tory Prime Minister saying the 25 per cent figure was not true.
The Federation’s Chief Executive, Elspeth MacDonald, wrote “you and your Government have spun a line about a 25% uplift in quota for the UK, but you know this is not true, and your deal does not deliver that.”
Ms MacDonald also described the “great deal of anger” regarding Boris Johnson’s failed promises to the sector.
Analysis from the Scottish Government in December 2020 found that Scottish fishing interests would be adversely impacted by the Tory Brexit deal with drops in the key fishing stocks mentioned by the Prime Minister, rather than the “big increase” he falsely claimed.
Commenting, SNP candidate for Banffshire & Buchan Coast Karen Adam said:
“Boris Johnson has been caught hook, line and sinker repeating total lies to Scotland’s fishermen.
“The industry is quite rightly livid with the total disregard this Tory government has shown towards vital seafood businesses in the middle of a global pandemic.
“Anywhere this Tory Prime Minister goes he leaves behind him a trail of lies, bluster and broken promises.
“He must set the record straight and apologise to the industry for repeating this false narrative.
“Scotland has been ignored and lied to since day one of this Tory Brexit process.
“People in Scotland have the right to choose a better future – it’s clearer than ever the only way to protect our interests is through independence.”
