Discusses the impacts of Brexit on fishing communities, including the transfer of EU quota to the UK; highlights the benefits of independent fisheries management, funding for fisheries and maritime issues, and plans for scientific research, infrastructure development, skills training, and export promotion; raises concerns over spatial squeeze due to offshore wind farms and marine conservation areas; calls for better engagement with renewable energy developers and fishermen.

Questions David Duguid about the validity of assurances regarding post-2026 fishing quotas, citing a quote from Mike Park, chief executive of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association.

Points out that specialised trade committees within the TCA can address concerns about fisheries relations with France.

Notes the need for more boats and attracting people into the industry due to the phased return of UK waters control, highlighting the generational aspect of fishing communities.

Asks David Duguid whether he now acknowledges that Brexit has been negative for fish processors and exporters; questions his stance on Highly Protected Marine Areas.

Mr Cunningham expressed deep concern over the drastic decline in fishing catches and revenue due to a mysterious event that decimated the crustacean population off the north-east coast two years ago. He cited specific examples such as James Cole's report of 90% reduction in brown crab catches and Stan Rennie's recent findings showing barren grounds with starfish instead of edible crabs and lobsters. Mr Cunningham criticised the North Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority for relying on inaccurate data provided by 'super crabbers' operating far off the coast, which distorts the reality facing local fishers. He urged the Government to provide accurate data and compensate inshore fishers who are suffering indescribable hardship. Additionally, he proposed comprehensive testing of sea samples and regular monitoring through an ongoing programme to ensure recovery progress.

Discussed the increasing competition for access to UK waters due to offshore wind farms and marine protected areas, emphasising the need for consultations with fishers. Highlighted the report 'Spatial Squeeze in Fisheries' which concludes that collaboration is necessary for the future viability of fishing businesses. Raised concerns about the 2026 negotiations with the EU and urged the Minister to secure sole access within a 12-mile limit. Also questioned the impact of the International Labour Organisation's Convention C188 on small inshore fishing vessels, suggesting it places an unnecessary financial burden on them. Mentioned issues such as the requirement for fishermen to have medicals from GPs and highlighted cases where regulations like tier 3 engines are impractical and cause significant financial hardship.

Mr. Shannon commended the introduction of the debate by highlighting his strong interest in the fishing sector due to representing several fishing villages, including Portavogie, Ardglass, and Kilkeel. He emphasised the importance of fishing for local economies and expressed optimism about the industry's future despite recent economic challenges. Mr. Shannon proposed adjusting the skilled visa language requirement from B1 to A2 to attract international fishers more easily. Additionally, he discussed the need for better management of marine space to balance energy production with food security, advocating for prioritising fishing areas in marine spatial planning. Lastly, he requested that UK fishermen be granted access to traditional EU fisheries during renegotiations, ensuring a reciprocal arrangement.

The hon. Member discussed the challenges faced by the UK's aquaculture and fishing sectors, particularly regarding Pacific oysters, water quality standards, EU trade flows, fishermen’s medical certificates, inshore vessel monitoring systems, and the need for better communication between regulatory bodies and the industry. He highlighted that DEFRA’s policies on Pacific oysters are hindering local businesses, while also stressing the importance of improving export conditions and addressing regulatory burdens on small boat owners.

In interventions, the hon. Member agreed with Mr Mangnall that the UK Government is unnecessarily gold-plating legislation and questioned whether a Minister had adequately reviewed marine accident investigation branch reports before introducing new regulations.

The hon. Member echoed concerns from the Welsh Fishermen’s Association, noting that there is evidence for exempting smaller vessels under existing legislation and questioning whether regulators foresaw this need.

The hon. Member agreed on the over-burdensome regulation of catch apps and type verification for I-VMS, suggesting that there must be a better way to ensure compliance without creating additional stress or criminal penalties.

The Liberal Democrats would typically be represented by the right hon. Friend, but since I represent Beer for a year, I will discuss trade and co-operation agreement with EU, access to labour and level playing field for British fishermen. The TCA is disappointing as it does not reflect UK's exclusive economic zone resources, allowing 40,000 tonnes of non-quota species catch by EU vessels in UK waters while UK fleets can only catch 12,000 tonnes in EU waters. Recruitment difficulties are highlighted and commendable efforts made to increase domestic recruitment, but there is a need for easier visa routes. There is irony that British boats cannot employ foreign workers but EU vessels do so routinely. French subsidies on fuel costs give EU fishermen an advantage over UK counterparts struggling with high fuel bills.

Syms highlights the challenges faced by Poole's fishing industry post-Brexit, including new regulations that fishermen find burdensome and potentially unviable. He cites examples of medical fitness assessments, vessel surveys, and issues with I-VMS systems, emphasising the need for clarity and common sense in regulation to support a vibrant local fishing industry.

Congratulates the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland on securing the debate and my hon. Friend the Member for Banff and Buchan on leading it. Acknowledges the Backbench Business Committee for granting the debate. Criticises poor terms in the EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement, which have hindered the fishing industry's recovery post-Brexit despite the Fisheries Act 2020 and UK seafood fund. Highlights challenges faced by East Anglian fishermen due to limited control over their waters and competition with non-UK registered vessels. Raises concerns about the ML5 medical certificate requirement for fishermen, particularly those operating single-handedly, which is causing distress and potentially leading to livelihood loss. Emphasises the importance of a vibrant fishing industry in levelling up coastal communities through local marketing, processing, and sales. Criticises Brixham fish market's hub strategy as unsustainable and detrimental to coastal economies. Urges the government to prepare a national strategic plan for regional fish markets to stimulate local fishing sectors around the UK.

Intervenes, noting that many fishermen applying for the ML5 medical certificate have been referred rather than rejected, adding to stress and bureaucracy. Suggests this could deter some from continuing their work.

Intervenes, pointing out that overlanding fish is not unique to Brixham but occurs in Plymouth as well, suggesting it is a broader issue.

Reiterates opposition to the idea of Brixham being a cartel and invites colleagues to visit Brixham Trawler Agents to see how this model can be replicated in other coastal areas, welcoming such initiatives for landing fish across various ports.

Intervenes, noting the efficiency of Peterhead market in Scotland for handling catches from the west coast and islands. Suggests visiting Brixham to understand how their model might be proposed.

Clarifies that Brixham is exploring having hubs outside of Brixham as well, aiming for more sustainable solutions.

The hon. Member acknowledges the challenges faced by fish processors and exporters due to Brexit, citing examples of frustration from individuals in the industry who feel misled about the benefits promised before the referendum. She emphasises that the situation is more difficult for those exporting quickly perishable products such as shellfish and fish. Additionally, she raises concerns over visa schemes hindering immigration into coastal communities, which are at risk of depopulation. The Member questions how many businesses have sought support for new shortage occupations, the success rate of these applications, whether there should be more occupations added to the list, and if visas are being expedited in time for the fishing season.

I pay tribute to the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr Carmichael), who cannot be here today, for securing this important debate... The Labour party takes a different view. We think that knowing our destination makes it more likely that we will get there. A Labour Government will take action on three priorities for the fishing sector...

Thanked the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (David Duguid) for leading the debate, noted the importance of fishing to coastal communities, highlighted the dangers faced by fishermen, emphasised the economic and environmental sustainability of fisheries, addressed points raised about bathing water areas, monitoring of dead sea life around Whitby and Scarborough, mentioned improvements in fish stock health, discussed spatial pressure or squeeze, acknowledged reforms post-Brexit from the common fisheries policy, outlined trade opportunities under the TCA, mentioned support for seafood businesses through skilled worker route visas, discussed medical certificates for fishermen, and touched on water quality issues.

Asked if the Minister agrees that testing of water quality needs to be stepped up not just in specific areas but across the country to ensure a healthy sea environment.

Mr Duguid thanked the Minister and all Members who contributed to the debate, mentioning specific contributions from the hon. Member for Strangford on fisheries debates being inclusive of various regions and the hon. Member for Newport West on the nature of the debate being good-natured with broad agreement across sides. He discussed Scottish Government's plans for HPMAs (Highly Protected Marine Areas) and acknowledged the campaigning efforts by various industry organisations leading to signs that the Scottish Government might be reconsidering their approach, while urging them not to take the industry for granted in future decisions.