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EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement: Fishing Industry
14 January 2021
Lead MP
George Eustice
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EconomyBrexitBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 39
At a Glance
George Eustice raised concerns about eu trade and co-operation agreement: fishing industry in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Before Christmas, the UK concluded a trade and co-operation agreement with the EU that established tariff-free trade in all goods and set new relationships regarding fisheries. The withdrawal agreement made the UK an independent coastal state, enabling it to take its seat at regional fisheries management organisations such as NEAFC and NAFO. A partnership was established with Norway for shared stocks in the North Sea. New bilateral arrangements were developed with other north-east Atlantic neighbours like the Faroes, Greenland, and Iceland. The agreement establishes a multi-annual quota sharing plan covering five and a half years, where the UK will increase its share from over 50% to two-thirds of fish caught within its waters by the end of this period, with front-loaded reductions for EU access in year one. Specific increases include North Sea cod (from 47% to 57%), Celtic Sea haddock (10% to 20%), and West of Scotland anglerfish (31% to 45%). £100 million will be invested in the UK fishing industry over this period to support the transition. The end of the transition period also means additional administration for exports, though issues are being addressed collaboratively.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Criticises the Government's handling of fisheries agreement, highlighting administrative challenges for exporters, lack of grace period on customs checks, need for compensation details, and concerns over post-transition outcomes. Asks about specific steps to support affected sectors during transition.
Minister reply
Acknowledges teething problems but emphasises ongoing work with stakeholders to address them. Explains that swaps between producer organisations can be managed by Government agreements. Clarifies that fisheries Minister's comment was misunderstood, and compensation is under consideration for those affected through no fault of their own.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
Question
The Secretary of State will be aware that fishermen in Cornwall have been very disappointed with the agreement reached on quota with the EU, and the fact that its vessels can still fish in our six to 12-mile limit. There is real concern that our inshore fleet, which makes up the vast majority of vessels in my constituency, will benefit little from this new deal, so what assurances can he give the fishermen of Mevagissey and Newquay, as well as fishermen across Cornwall, that the Government will be working with our inshore fleet to make sure it can benefit as much as possible from this new deal, and that those fishermen will be in a good position to increase their share of the quota when we come to the end of the adjustment period?
Minister reply
We left the London fisheries convention and gave notice under that because it is our intention that the six to 12-mile zone should be reserved predominantly for our own fishermen, and at the end of the five and a half years, that is exactly what we will be seeking to achieve. There are some uplifts for fishermen in the Celtic sea, and in particular those in Cornwall—as I mentioned earlier, haddock has moved from 10% to 20%—and the Celtic sea is also an area that often had its fishing interests affected by the ability of Ireland to invoke Hague preference, which depleted our share of some stocks, notably cod. With the absence of Hague preference, there will be some other uplifts in those areas.
Luke Pollard
Lab Co-op
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Question
Fishing has every right to feel betrayed and let down by this Government. The industry was promised a better deal, but they have not got one... [full question provided]
Minister reply
I know that in previous debates on fishing the hon. Gentleman has spoken of the importance of tariff-free access to the EU market, and the trade and co-operation agreement gives our fishing export businesses that access, which is particularly important for the shellfish sector.
It is not the case that shellfish cannot be exported at all until April... [full answer provided]
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Question
We are seeing teething issues arise for our fishing exporters, with health checks and customs documents causing some backlogs in exports to the EU. Will my right hon. Friend outline the steps his Department is taking to ensure that exporters know what is required of them, so that those challenges can be eased?
Minister reply
We have been working closely with authorities, particularly in France and the Netherlands, to understand the sorts of issues that they are finding. At one end of the spectrum, many of the issues are quite trivial... [full answer provided]
Question
'Stay in the UK', they said in 2014; 'Leave the EU,' they said in 2016; 'A sea of opportunity,' they said in 2020—bad advice, backed by lies and disinformation, all down the line, and Scotland’s fishing industry is among those feeling the betrayal. Now, Scots businesses cannot get their product to their European markets... [full question provided]
Minister reply
As I said earlier, there have been some teething problems, particularly in Scotland, I know... [full answer provided]
Question
The fishing community in Grimsby welcomes the deal agreed by the Prime Minister, particularly the springboard it gives us to take back more quota as the years go on, and our tariff-free arrangements. Can my right hon. Friend confirm when the details of the £100 million fund and the international quota swaps will be made available to us?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend’s constituency is home to the UK’s fish processing industry, and tariff-free access will be important for some of those sectors... [full answer provided]
Question
Eight-five per cent. of the seafood caught by my local fishing fleet goes to customers in the EU. Along with boats right across the UK, they are currently tied up, as logistics firms will not accept any more produce due to the current customs chaos... [full question provided]
Minister reply
We are working closely with the industry and DFDS to identify what we can do to address some of the problems that have been encountered... [full answer provided]
Question
My constituent Andrew Trust, the owner of Ocean Harvest, is finding that the high cost of border control charges, export health certificates, the need for a fiscal representative in France and the uncertainty that his fish will reach the buyer in the EU poses a real threat to his business. What compensating measures will the Government put in place?
Minister reply
The key thing is to get this process working more smoothly, and that requires traders to familiarise themselves with it... [full answer provided]
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Question
Fishing communities across the country feel that their genuine concerns have been used for political purposes and they have ended up being sold down the river. Why does the Secretary of State think that fishers in Fleetwood and across the country feel angry and let down by the way they have been betrayed by his Government’s choices, and how much of the £100 million promised to the industry will be spent on improving port facilities in Fleetwood?
Minister reply
Port facilities will indeed be one of the areas that the new £100 million fund will address around the country; we want to build capacity there as our share of the catch grows. The Government have maintained all along that they were aiming for something closer to zonal attachment. As I made clear earlier, we took an important step towards that objective with the EU giving up 25% of its catch in our waters as part of the wider agreement. Yes, we would have liked to have gone further, and after the first five and a half years, we will.
Joy Morrissey
Con
Beaconsfield
Question
Pulse trawling, which uses electrical signals to drive flatfish such as sole from the seabed into nets, is highly controversial and damaging to our marine environment. Many in Marlow and Beaconsfield have written to me about how we can protect our marine environment moving forward. Therefore, can my right hon. Friend confirm that, with the end of the transition period at the beginning of this month, we have seen the last of this practice in UK waters?
Minister reply
I can. We have the freedom to regulate through technical measures in our own waters, and we have banned pulse trawling.
Question
With fish exporters paying over £500 or £600 a day in extra paperwork since the Tory Brexit deal came into force, in what world does the Secretary of State believe that this represents frictionless, barrier-free trade, as the Prime Minister claimed the deal delivers?
Minister reply
There are no tariff barriers. We secured an agreement through the trade and co-operation agreement that means tariff-free trade in all goods, including fish.
Question
While some of the benefits of leaving the CFP are going to be postponed for five and a half years, can the Secretary of State set out what action he is taking right now, with the powers that we do have, to benefit both the marine environment and the under-10 metre fishing fleet?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend raises an important point, which is that while we have reached a quota sharing and access agreement for five and a half years, we do have the freedom to set our own regulations. We have already banned pulse trawling, and we are consulting on and will soon be bringing forward measures to further protect the Dogger Bank. We will continue to look for opportunities to use technical measures to enhance conservation in our waters.
Question
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for his work to date on the particular fishing issues relating to Northern Ireland, but would he recognise that there are some outstanding matters, including a permanent commitment that Northern Ireland boats can land products in local ports without sanitary and phytosanitary or other checks, addressing the exclusion of Northern Ireland boats from all but two ports in the Republic of Ireland and ensuring that new quota allocations reflect the existing fixed quota allocation units?
Minister reply
Yes, there are some issues in Northern Ireland that we are working through. For the purposes of regulation, we have taken the position that Northern Ireland vessels should not require an SPS check or a catch certificate to land in their home port. Such an idea would clearly be ridiculous, so we are not requiring that, and we have agreed that with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. There are some remaining issues about the Northern Ireland protocol and some of the easements we have had on trade and what will replace them, and we are working closely with the Commission and with colleagues in DAERA to agree on that.
Question
Catching fish is one thing; landing and processing fish is quite another. If we are to be even more ambitious in five and a half years’ time and catch even more fish, what are the Government going to do in the next five and a half years to develop our fish processing industry?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes a very important point, and that is why the Prime Minister has announced this new £100 million fund, which will support the infrastructure at ports to cope with a growing share of the catch. We will also look at supporting processing as well, so that we can add value to the fish we catch.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations described the Prime Minister’s EU trade deal as “minuscule, marginal, paltry, pathetic” and some British fishers are now landing their catch straight on to the continent to avoid the Government’s red tape and the impending lorry queues chaos at the border, so does the Secretary of State agree that this is driving jobs away from the UK and hitting hard our coastal communities?
Minister reply
I do not agree with that. As I said earlier, we do recognise that fishermen would have liked a larger uplift, and we absolutely recognise that throughout the negotiation we were arguing for a move to a share that was closer to zonal attachment, but this does represent a significant step in the right direction, with a 25% loss of what the EU currently catches in our waters, and that will bring additional fishing opportunities to our own sector.
Question
The fishermen of Salcombe, Dartmouth and Brixham are now faced with catch certificates, health certificates, and export documentation, all of which is extensive red tape and comes with a cost. What is the Department doing to reform that system, and to improve it and reduce bureaucracy? We are hearing reports from the EU that customs officials are deliberately delaying British exports on the European mainland. What steps have been taken to hold them to account, and to ensure a streamlined process and to ensure that the EU upholds its side of the deal?
Minister reply
The bureaucracy that we are having to fill in is obviously designed by the European Union, and in some cases, on many export health certificates, the form is a generic World Trade Organisation form that has not had a great deal of thought given to it. We think the paperwork could be improved, but we would need the EU to agree to engage with that. For now we have to work with the paperwork that it designates. It is EU bureaucracy, but we are working closely with European countries to get a better understanding of what is required.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Question
DEFRA’s consultation letter of October 2020 on future quota arrangements contained much emphasis on zonal attachment and how it might be applied at UK level. With a small maritime zone, that would severely disadvantage Northern Ireland as only 20% of our quota holdings are in the Irish sea, and the Irish sea is shared by the UK’s four Administrations, plus the Isle of Man. Discrimination faced by Northern Ireland’s fishermen at the hands of the EU and its Hague preference must not be replaced by a form of discrimination within the United Kingdom. We believe that any departure from the established principle of fixed quota allocation units will disadvantage Northern Ireland’s fishermen. Will the Secretary of State confirm that he will not allow that to happen, and that Northern Ireland’s fishing fleet will receive its share of the additional quota on the basis of its existing fixed quota allocation share?
Minister reply
We have made clear that the existing entitlements that people would have had under relative stability will continue to be issued under the legacy FQA units approach, but when we get additional fishing opportunities, we want to be able to allocate those in a different way. We are working closely with all UK Administrations on a fairer sharing arrangement, and we recognise the particular issues in the Irish sea. We are conscious of that, and we are working closely with the Northern Ireland Executive on getting a fair arrangement.
Question
I have been contacted by many fishermen from Moray and across Scotland who are raising their serious concerns and frustrations about the current situation, both here with the Scottish Government element at Larkhall, and because of the losses they are currently experiencing. One local skipper, Liam Grey from Buckie, agreed that I could share his returns from this week. He is averaging £30 a box for the fish he is landing, and £47 a box for the prawns. That is half of what he needs to cover his costs. Will the Secretary of State outline the discussions that he is having with the Scottish Government about the problems at Larkhall, and about the compensation scheme that is clearly needed by fishermen right across the country?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising those issues. As I have said, I am having a discussion with DFDS later today, to see whether we can offer help. It is working through a difficult situation, and working hard to address these problems, as is Food Standards Scotland. I have had numerous conversations on those matters with Fergus Ewing, and the Government have offered support should the Scottish Government want that to address these problems. January is always the slowest month in the fish trade, and the coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of problems in the export market generally. The export market is quite weak, which is why the price of some fish has been lower.
Question
We already know that if the period of disruption that we are witnessing is extended, European consumers will seek alternative suppliers and will be unlikely to return to Scottish suppliers. When asked how long it will take to sort the problems, the Secretary of State’s ministerial colleague, the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (David Duguid), said on the radio this morning, “How long is a piece of string?” Does the Secretary of State think that that is an acceptable answer for an industry that is facing what it describes as a “catastrophe”?
Minister reply
We are working very hard to make sure that that piece of string is as short as possible by having regular daily meetings with industry to try to iron out these problems.
Virginia Crosbie
Con
Ynys Môn
Question
Prior to our departure from the EU, 90% of Welsh shellfish exports were sent to the EU. Since the new customs system has been in place, businesses such as The Lobster Pot and Menai Oysters are facing issues with dead imports or have stopped exporting until these problems are resolved. Can the Secretary of State please confirm what he is doing to speed up customs procedures and when businesses can expect to securely export live shellfish?
Minister reply
We are working daily with industry to identify specific granular problems presenting themselves and then working with authorities in France to ensure there is a common understanding of what is required so that we can speed up the passage of goods.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
The fishing industry in my constituency is in trouble. Financial compensation will be crucial for survival in remote parts of the UK. Can we support the plea for a roundtable discussion between the Government and industry?
Minister reply
We are having formal roundtable discussions with the industry twice weekly, have helplines set up to tackle technical issues that vets might have, and meet colleagues in this House to address individual issues.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Scallops from Porthdinllaen fishing boats are currently being frozen due to the inability to get them to continental markets fresh. Paperwork on both sides of the English channel now means an extra cost per consignment of 5%. Can the Minister tell me how he is working with the Welsh Government to ensure the survival of Welsh inshore fishing, and will he admit that for our fishing communities this bare-bones deal is a no-deal Brexit by the back door?
Minister reply
It is not a no-deal Brexit. There is a free trade agreement without tariffs, including for shellfish. We regularly meet Lesley Griffiths to discuss challenges in Wales.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
What plans do the Government have to ensure that our fishing fleet and fish processing centres are built up so that we can take full advantage of the fish in our waters?
Minister reply
There will be new opportunities with an uplift in quota, and a new £100 million fund announced by the Prime Minister will go towards supporting increased capacity at ports and in processing.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Question
The shortage of vets to inspect fish, the lack of customs agents to process border forms, and not having enough time for businesses to adapt to new rules of origin are more than 'teething problems'. When will he fix the problems caused by the Government’s failure to prepare for the new border arrangements?
Minister reply
We are working with the industry daily to identify specific challenges such as individual examples of why the French may have raised a query on an export health certificate.
Question
UK fishermen are frustrated by the current situation at borders. Can my right hon. Friend update the House on what discussions he has had with our European neighbours since the end of the transition period to tackle these issues?
Minister reply
We met Irish counterparts on Friday, French officials on Tuesday, and Dutch officials yesterday, planning further meetings.
Question
In the lead-up to the trade and co-operation agreement, businesses faced challenges with useless information from the government. Prices at Peterhead fish market are now 80% below normal. Is it not true that rather than a sea of opportunity, through their incompetence the UK Government is delivering instead a sea of insolvency for the Scottish seafood industry?
Minister reply
The responsibility for issuing export health certificates causing these challenges rests with the Scottish Government, but Food Standards Scotland works hard to resolve some issues.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Question
Can he reassure me that those in his Department are doing everything they possibly can to find solutions for D. R. Collin and others facing problems trying to export and continue selling fish to Europe?
Minister reply
I assure my hon. Friend that officials are working hard to find a solution, including discussions with DFDS on a consolidation hub at Larkhall.
Question
Firstly, I reject the character assassination of the Fisheries Minister and thank her for calls over Christmas. I appeal to the Secretary of State to ensure Northern Ireland fishermen get a fair share-out of quota without discrimination within the UK. When will we get a fair share-out in the process?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right: the Hague preference was against the interests of the Northern Ireland fishing fleet, and we are consulting closely with each part of the UK about how additional opportunities could be shared differently.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
Media reports suggest that the EU trade deal prevents us from protecting marine conservation. Can the Secretary of State confirm whether we have legal powers to regulate vessels and fishing forms in British waters if necessary?
Minister reply
Yes, technical conservation measures are for us alone to make, and we may seek bilateral agreement with the European Union on that.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
While welcoming the Minister’s statement on meeting stakeholders, Christine Jardine raises concerns about the Government's understanding of fishing quota shares and the need for a mechanism to facilitate cooperation between UK and EU fishermen.
Minister reply
George Eustice confirms that annual exchanges will continue under the current system and that the industry data is available. He states that they are working with stakeholders to ensure access to quotas.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
Question
Martin Vickers asks for assurances on further funding beyond the £100 million fund for infrastructure projects in coastal communities.
Minister reply
George Eustice acknowledges the desire for more money but states that the Treasury must balance finances. He confirms that £100 million is new and additional to existing funds from the European maritime and fisheries fund.
Question
Joanna Cherry criticises the Government's handling of Brexit for causing chaos in the fishing industry, urging a change in rhetoric.
Minister reply
George Eustice defends his colleague's statement, noting that new paperwork requirements have caused some teething problems but are necessary.
Question
Scott Mann asks about delays specifically around export health certificates and their impact on crab and lobster exports in North Cornwall.
Minister reply
George Eustice explains that issues arose from inaccuracies in paperwork, leading to the temporary suspension of mixed consignments. He mentions a potential restart next week.
Question
Margaret Ferrier inquires about consultations with the Scottish Seafood Association on an independent clearing house for Europe.
Minister reply
George Eustice states that they are working closely with the industry and will look at further arrangements with the EU if viable. He mentions a hub at Larkhall for export health certificates.
Question
Jacob Young asks about steps to protect seas from supertrawlers, particularly in Teesside.
Minister reply
George Eustice discusses measures such as banning pulse trawling and spatial protection for Dogger Bank.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
Stephen Flynn, citing concerns from a seafood exporter, asks the Minister to stop referring to Brexit issues as 'teething problems' and requests an apology and financial compensation.
Minister reply
George Eustice notes that while there have been some problems, particularly with groupage, salmon trade has continued. He mentions 20-30 lorries crossing short straits daily.
Question
Selaine Saxby thanks the Minister for work on resolving paperwork issues and asks about free customs clearance for perishable goods.
Minister reply
George Eustice discusses working closely with French authorities to make processes smoother, mentioning IT system problems that have been resolved.
Question
Angus MacNeil highlights EU trawlers and the impact of quota losses on Ireland compared to Scotland, questioning the solidarity provided by the UK Government.
Minister reply
George Eustice acknowledges that while they did not get a larger uplift in fishing opportunities than desired, there was still significant progress. He notes that EU fleets have had to give up some quota.
Shadow Comment
Alistair Carmichael
Shadow Comment
The agreement is a disappointment to the fishing industry due to administrative challenges. Boats are tied up in harbour with no grace period on customs checks for UK exporters, leading to delays and financial losses. Compensation is being considered but details remain unclear. Hundreds of yearly producer organisation swaps will now need Government-to-Government agreements. The agreement does not specify post-transition outcomes or address the lack of a clear transition path. Zonal attachment remains an industry goal.
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