Commenting on the announcement of the new UK-EU deal, Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands & Islands Ariane Burgess said:
“Although closer ties to Europe are to be welcomed, I have serious concerns about some of the aspects of the new UK-EU deal.
“The fishing element of this deal is bad for both fishers and Scotland’s seas.
“The sharp decline in the number of Scottish fishing jobs and vessels we have seen over the past 15 years is now only likely to continue, further damaging communities all over the Highlands and Islands.
“Much of this socioeconomic decline has been caused by the deterioration in the health of key fish stocks.
“The new deal means this downward spiral will continue given the EU’s poor record when it comes to cracking down on bycatch, overfishing and illegal fishing.
“Now, instead of being able to set a new course from 2026, we will have another 12 years of the status quo.
“This is more than enough time for irreversible damage to be caused to our fish species, as well as the ecosystems that rely on them.”
Ms Burgess also slammed the UK Government’s decision not to consult the Scottish Government on the deal.
She added:
“The other deeply concerning aspect of this deal is the way in which it has been conducted.
“Fisheries is a devolved responsibility.
“Scotland should be managing what happens in its own waters, not Westminster.
“To hear that the Scottish Government was shut out of the dealmaking process by the UK Government underlines the blatant disregard those in London have for our nation’s democracy.
“The voices of our fishers and coastal communities deserve to be heard.
“Clearly, the only way this is going to happen is through independence.”
