Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Distant Fleet Fishing: Kirkella Trawler

27 May 2021 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

BrexitAgriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Emma Hardy raised concerns about distant fleet fishing: kirkella trawler in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK fishing industry faces challenges post-Brexit with fishermen losing jobs due to competition and lack of distant water fishing deals.
  • Government failed to secure agreements with Norway and Greenland, impacting the Hull-based Kirkella trawler and local jobs.
  • Minister acknowledges difficulties but emphasizes the need for fair negotiations, highlighting ongoing access for Kirkella to fish off Svalbard.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice

The UK fishing industry was promised great benefits post-Brexit but has instead faced challenges, with fishermen out of work due to competition from foreign fleets and lack of deals for distant water fishing opportunities. The Kirkella, a Hull-based ice-class trawler, is at risk as the government failed to secure agreements with Norway and Greenland, impacting jobs in Hull and elsewhere. Emma Hardy highlights the human cost, mentioning Charles Waddy who faces an uncertain future. She calls for immediate action from the Minister of State to negotiate deals, emphasising that without them, the UK fishing industry will suffer further.

Other contributors (2)
  • Nigel Evans Con Carlisle

    Karl Turner has sought and received permission to contribute.

  • Karl Turner Lab Kingston upon Hull East

    Praises Emma Hardy for securing the debate, mentions Big Lil Bilocca's historical contributions to fishing safety and terms, expresses disappointment with government's handling of negotiations and urges immediate action.

Government Response

Victoria Prentis

Acknowledges difficulties faced by the Kirkella and UK fisheries. Explains imbalanced nature of previous agreements when part of EU, sets out background to recent negotiations with Norway which have been challenging due to historical imbalances. Indicates willingness for future discussions but emphasises fairness is key in any negotiation. Mentions ongoing access for Kirkella to fish 5,500 tonnes of cod off Svalbard worth around £12.6 million. Announces £100 million investment for transformative seafood projects across the UK to rejuvenate industry and coastal communities through training, infrastructure, and science development. Acknowledges regional significance of seafood processing in Grimsby with substantial economic contributions but disputes figures on Kirkella crew employment. Highlights positive retail sales growth and resilience shown by sector during pandemic.

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