House of Commons · Westminster Hall
13 October 2022 · 3 other contributors · 15,263 words
Opened by Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Responding minister: Mark Spencer
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about post-brexit fisheries management in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Minister should advocate for a sensible immigration policy to allow non-EEA nationals as crew members on fishing vessels, address the issue of spatial squeeze by managing marine areas holistically, and take action against industrial-scale gill netting. Additionally, the minister needs to ensure scientific research is conducted properly and that there is communication between officials and industry leaders.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The fishing industry faces severe challenges including rising fuel costs, interest rate increases on loans for boat purchases, wage pressures due to inflation, spatial squeeze from other industries such as oil and gas pipelines, electricity cables, fibre-optic cables, and offshore renewables. There is also a concern about the availability of crew from outside the UK and industrial-scale gill netting that excludes local boats from fishing grounds.
Zeichner highlighted the challenges faced by the UK fishing industry post-Brexit, including labour shortages, rising fuel costs, and increased bureaucracy. He emphasized the need for sustainable fisheries management and expressed concerns over the spatial squeeze and the impact of marine protected areas on fishing communities. Asked about the prospects for the distant fleet which has suffered from the post-Brexit process.
Discussed challenges faced by the fishing industry in Northern Ireland, including crew recruitment difficulties, limited fishing areas due to marine protection and offshore wind developments, and concerns over quota allocation. Emphasised the importance of visiting fishing communities to understand their issues. Emphasised that only 600-650 people are needed for the fishing sector and highlighted concerns about Northern Ireland's fisheries not receiving their full quota as expected under Brexit agreements.
Discussed the negative impacts of Brexit on the fishing industry, highlighting financial difficulties, uncertainties, and closures. Criticized Brexiteers for misleading fishermen about post-Brexit opportunities. Emphasized that Scotland's seafood sector is world-renowned but has faced significant losses due to trade barriers and access issues since leaving the EU. Questioned why all impacts of Brexit were unexpected by fishermen, despite promises of independence in our waters. Asked for a response to the fisherman's statement.
Government Response
Mark SpencerMr Spencer, in his role as Fisheries Minister, acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the UK fishing industry post-Brexit. He noted spatial pressures from marine protected areas and offshore wind development, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to managing our seas' uses. The Government has committed £100 million in funding to support fisheries futures and is engaging with the Home Office to address labor shortages. Regarding fuel prices, tax rebates on fuel duty are provided, and there's research into vessel efficiency improvements. Post-Brexit, the UK retains control over fishing regulations such as banning gill netting if deemed necessary. The Government aims to work closely with industry stakeholders and regulators for sustainable outcomes.