House of Commons · Westminster Hall
26 March 2025 · 14 other contributors · 12,168 words
Opened by Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Responding minister: Daniel Zeichner
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Andrew George raised concerns about fishing quota negotiations: impact on uk fleet in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The speaker asks the Minister to use his influence to ensure that the fishing industry is reviewed based on science and merit rather than political horse-trading with other countries. He also requests a more stable approach with rolling multi-annual quotas, up to five years, for better planning certainty.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The debate addresses concerns about the inverse relationship between political desire to not interfere with the fishing industry and the necessity for interference to establish a sustainable industry. It highlights the impact of last year’s quota negotiations on the prospects for the UK fishing industry in 2025, including the risk that fisheries could be used as bargaining chips in broader negotiations.
Questioned why scientists cannot provide projections for future years despite knowledge about recruitment and sustainability of species. The fishing industry is a key source of food and economic growth. Hopes for updated ICES advice on pollack by June, wishing to meet the Minister then.
Emphasized the need to ensure food security is not traded against defence, highlighting concerns about fishing communities being used as bargaining chips. Emphasised the importance of fishing for food security, echoing sentiments about the industry's significance.
The hon. Member for South Devon criticised the previous Conservative Government's approach to Brexit, stating that they let down British fishers by promising much but delivering little. She called for clearer and more practical negotiations with the EU.
Emphasised the commitment to deliver a good outcome for the fishing sector, highlighting ongoing negotiations with EU.
The Member for Epping Forest expressed concern over the welfare issues surrounding cetacean hunts and supported the previous Government's efforts to encourage alternatives.
Acknowledged the importance of science and sustainability, and noted the specific comments about species such as pollack, Dover sole and bluefin tuna, along with issues related to bycatch.
The total allowable catch quota negotiations resulted in a 5% decrease for UK quota, representing a £9 million reduction in value. Quota allocations that cannot realistically be caught exist only on paper. Discussed quota negotiations, the impact on communities, and sustainability issues related to paper fish and fishing practices. Noted the decrease in quota but highlighted its value remaining steady at £1.04 billion.
Fishing is vital for coastal communities, particularly in Northern Ireland where there is satisfaction with current quota negotiations provided that allocations do not shift unfavorably towards the EU at the expense of local industry.
The fishing industry, despite its small economic footprint, is crucial to many coastal communities. The EU's protectionist stance poses a threat, as evidenced by the disparity in fish catches between the UK and the EU. John Cooper emphasizes the need for an independent approach without linking fisheries access to market entry. Highlighted the importance of UK's independent coastal status and warned against spatial squeeze affecting fisheries.
Supported the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation's view that UK fisheries have seen increased opportunities since leaving the EU in 2020. Discussed opportunities for UK fishing post-EU and stressed the need to avoid using fishing as a bargaining chip in EU negotiations.
The hon. Member for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes highlighted the importance of science and timely information in fisheries management, emphasizing the need to improve the flow of scientific data to fishers. She also warned against conflating fishing with national security and stressed the need for practical negotiations. Talked about the diversity of businesses in UK fishing and their reliance on the industry for livelihoods. The Member highlighted the complexity of the fishing sector and welcomed direct discussions with industry representatives as the best way to inform policy-making.
Agreed that national security and the fishing industry deserve better treatment than being used in political horse-trading with other countries.
Asked if the hon. Member considered that political allies might have other priorities when it comes to fisheries.
Expressed concern about reports of French allies seeking to link fishing quotas with defence budget access, urging the Government to clarify its position on this issue.
Government Response
Daniel ZeichnerThe Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
The Minister acknowledged the importance of the UK’s fishing sector as a source of sustainable food and discussed the need for co-creating policy with fishermen. He noted that under-reporting remains an issue and emphasised the Government's commitment to improving safety and sustainability, including proceeding with electronic monitoring systems. The Minister also addressed the complexity of fisheries negotiations and highlighted recent reports on economic outcomes for 2025. Acknowledged the challenges faced by the fishing industry, committed to resetting relations with the EU, removed licence cap restrictions for small boats, and adhered to ICES advice on pollack TAC. Discussed measures to encourage anglers to adopt bag limits, minimum conservation sizes, closed seasons and descending devices. Looking at potential genetic connection between sole types. Scientific work on pollack due in June.