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Post-Brexit Fisheries Management
13 October 2022
Lead MP
Alistair Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Mark Spencer
Tags
TaxationClimateBrexitEnergyAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 15263
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about post-brexit fisheries management in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
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 Spencer
Government Response
Mr 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.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.