The Tory government’s sell-out of Scotland’s fisheries has come under further criticism after the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation issued a damning verdict that the Tories’ hard Brexit deal “falls very far short of the commitments and promises that were made to the fishing industry by those at the highest level of government.”
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, added that “It does not restore sovereign UK control over fisheries, and does not permit us to determine who can catch what, where and when in our own waters.”
All of which were key commitments from the UK government and the Scottish Tories to the sector.
Earlier, Mike Park, Chief Executive of Scottish White Fish Producers Association, described the deal as “a betrayal by the UK Government on the Scottish industry.”
And the Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said there was “frustration and anger” as “Boris Johnson…was willing to sacrifice fishing.”
Commenting, the SNP’s Shadow DEFRA spokesperson Deidre Brock MP (pictured) said:
“The scale of the Tories’ Brexit fisheries sell-out is a bitter pill for our vital fishing communities to have to swallow.
“The remarks from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation that the Tories’ hard Brexit deal falls well short of the promises made by the Tory government is utterly damning and once again highlights the betrayal of the sector by Boris Johnson.
“Far from taking back control, the Tory government – in the words of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation – have left the sector with ‘one hand tied behind our back.’
“People will not be fooled by the spin of Boris Johnson’s government and its yes-men in Scotland as they try to squirm their way out of their broken promises.
“All the pledges made over access and quota shares have proven to be worthless – and our fishing communities will not be quick to forget.
“The reality now is that Scotland’s economy and businesses – including fisheries – face a deeper hit as we navigate through the pandemic and economic recession.
“It’s clear that only by becoming an independent country will we be able to have a seat at the top table in the EU fighting for our communities and industries.”
