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Question
The MP raises concerns about the discrepancy between UK's issued licences numbers and those claimed by France, questioning the slow process of obtaining licences in UK waters. She also mentions French sanctions coming into effect on 2 November, a detained Scottish vessel due in court, lack of clarity on licence issuance processes, and asks for assurances regarding consular assistance for arrested crews as well as advice for other vessels encountering French authorities.
Minister reply
The Minister clarifies that the vast majority of EU vessels received their licences immediately after Brexit. Issues arise only with those struggling to provide supporting data. He confirms that the Marine Management Organisation initially provided a licence but it was later withdrawn from the list, and he is working to establish why this happened.
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Question
Given the escalation in language from the French Government, can my right hon. Friend confirm that the licensing process is consistent with the UK Fisheries Act 2020 and the trade and co-operation agreement? Can he also commit not to grant further concessions beyond those already granted?
Minister reply
Everything done by the UK is entirely consistent with what was agreed in the trade and co-operation agreement. Under this agreement, access is now determined by a reference period during which vessels must have been active to retain access.
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Question
Will the Secretary of State set out whether the crew are okay, what support is being given to them, and what steps he is taking to ensure uninterrupted trade between UK and French waters? Additionally, will he investigate the removal of a licence from an MMO or Marine Scotland register?
Minister reply
The vessel was asked to go into port in the usual way for routine inspection. There are no issues with the crew as far as we know. The UK Government continues to implement the trade and co-operation agreement without getting into retaliatory measures. We will also speak to the European Commission regarding France's actions.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State assure us that he will do everything possible to ensure proper enforcement action against infringements by French fishermen in our waters, and to make sure that the fishing boat from Shoreham is properly looked after?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State referred interested parties to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for specific instances. The Government has significantly increased its enforcement capacity with additional vessels and aerial surveillance.
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Question
Why is he risking this over such a small number of small boats when so much access has already been given to non-quota species without limits?
Minister reply
The Government adheres to the terms agreed in the trade and co-operation agreement. Any vessel that qualified based on its track record during the reference period has been granted access, while vessels lacking such a track record have not.
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Question
If the French Government continues to threaten us, why cannot we encourage our exporters to use non-French ports and move supply lines to avoid political abuse?
Minister reply
Individual businesses would make decisions based on market access if threats materialise. The hope is that France will not carry through its threat as it is probably inconsistent with EU law.
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Question
Is it not really time to get rid of Lord Frost? He continues to damage the relationship with Ireland, and disputes with France and Spain persist. The Secretary of State talks about constructive discussions but clearly this is not possible.
Minister reply
What the hon. Lady says is an absolute nonsense. I work closely with Lord Frost who stands up for the interests of our country in these discussions. He has very good relations with EU negotiators.
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Question
Can you confirm conversations had with the Commission regarding disputes with France?
Minister reply
I spoke to Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius about this issue and our view that it is not consistent with EU law under the official control regime and the trade and co-operation agreement.
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Question
Are mechanisms proposed in the EU TCA being used to resolve disputes?
Minister reply
We are applying what was agreed, sharing all our methodology with the European Commission and showing precisely the data we have for vessels that do not qualify for licences.
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Question
Will you make clear to the EU that threats about electricity supply are wholly unacceptable?
Minister reply
The UK Government will stand squarely behind Jersey. We believe it has been entirely consistent with the trade and co-operation agreement, and France's threats are disappointing, disproportionate and not what we would expect from an ally.
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Question
What steps will you take to ensure that British fleets can fish in British waters without being detained?
Minister reply
Under the terms of the trade and co-operation agreement, vessels can enter each other’s EEZ with licences. Most issues pertain to the six to 12-mile zone in English waters only.
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Question
Does he agree that the mask slipped for the SNP when it chose political points over standing up for Scottish fishermen?
Minister reply
The UK Government stand squarely behind the Scottish fishing industry and always have done. We supported its wish to leave the common fisheries policy.
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Question
What are the Government doing to encourage people to buy home-grown seafood?
Minister reply
During the pandemic, schemes were run in conjunction with Seafish to promote greater consumption of fish at home.
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Question
Will non-enforcement of TACs for non-quota species undermine the UK fishing fleet?
Minister reply
On my hon. Friend’s other point, we will be discussing that again with the European Commission at the next annual UK-EU bilateral negotiations.
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Question
What discussions have you had about potential impacts of blocking UK products through Calais port?
Minister reply
That situation arose but has been brewing for some time. I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues, notably Lord Frost.
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Question
May I reassure the Secretary of State that Conservative Members have absolute confidence in Lord Frost?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an important point. The European Commission has the legal vires to represent France on fisheries matters and should ensure its member states abide by them.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that French behaviour is linked to Macron facing difficult elections?
Minister reply
I note what my hon. Friend says but I am a bit more optimistic and hope things will get better now.
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Question
Will you give an assurance that we will be extremely robust in defending the interests of fishing communities around the UK?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises an important point but it is also important to note that no UK Government have had the legal right to defend their interests properly since the common fisheries policy was implemented.
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Question
As the Secretary of State said, the situation is extremely disappointing. The constituents in Grimsby are concerned about the impact on fishing and fish processing industries due to French politicians' actions. Will he assure me that the UK will not be bullied by France and will work with them as allies, not enemies?
Minister reply
We have been clear with the European Commission that we are abiding by the terms of the trade and co-operation agreement, and we expect it to do the same.
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Question
In light of my right hon. Friend's comments on France’s threat to cut electricity to Jersey, will he reassure people throughout the Channel Islands that the UK will stand solidly with the Crown dependencies in the face of any intimidation from France?
Minister reply
Yes, of course.
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Question
The British people do not take kindly to provocation and intensely dislike threats from other nations. If the French are so keen on impounding boats, perhaps they could focus on the real issue: the hundreds of migrants illegally crossing the channel day in, day out on small dinghies. Does my right hon. Friend agree that France’s threats are disproportionate and not at all what we would expect from a close ally and partner?
Minister reply
I agree that it is disproportionate and not what we would expect of a close ally, as I said in my opening remarks; I am glad my hon. Friend was listening.