Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

UK-Faroese Fishing Grounds 2022-04-28

2022-04-28

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
▸ Context
Russian fishing vessels are operating under a Faroese license in the special area, raising concerns about jurisdiction and policy alignment.
What recent discussions has he had with his Faroese counterpart on access for Russian fishing vessels to shared UK-Faroese fishing grounds?
Victoria Prentis
We do not have jurisdiction over the fishing activities of vessels operating in the special area under a licence issued by the Faroes. However, we have urged the Faroese Fisheries Minister, Foreign Minister and Prime Minister to stop Russian vessels fishing there.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific details on recent discussions with Faroese counterpart and concrete actions taken
We Do Not Have Jurisdiction
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
▸ Context
The questioner had an opportunity to discuss this issue with the Faroese Prime Minister, who agreed to reconsider the arrangement when it expires at the end of the year.
As it happens, I had my own opportunity to make exactly these representations to the Faroese Prime Minister yesterday and I am sure that, like the Minister, I was able to welcome the undertaking that the Faroese will look at not continuing this arrangement when it expires at the end of the year. However, does she agree that, as I said to the Faroese Prime Minister yesterday, the war in Ukraine is happening in the here and now and, while the Faroese have a good and profitable record of playing both sides against the middle, this is one occasion where they really need to pick a side?
Victoria Prentis
I could not agree more, and I hear that that was very much the tone of the useful meeting the all-party group on fisheries had with the Faroese Prime Minister yesterday. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that Government Ministers have also made that message loud and clear at all levels.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Concrete actions or commitments to ensure a side is picked by the Faroe Islands in light of Russia's involvement in Ukraine
I Could Not Agree More Useful Meeting
Response accuracy