Strong public support for fishing industry’s stance

ALMOST two-thirds of the public believe access to UK waters should be blocked or limited for EU fishing boats after Brexit.

Thirty-two per cent say vessels must be allowed in only under strict rules while 27 per cent think they must be kept out.

Meanwhile 56 per cent of people agree that exiting the Common Fisheries Policy will provide greater opportunities for UK fishermen, to just 10 per cent who disagree.

The findings, in a YouGov poll commis- sioned by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, indicate strong public support for the stance taken by the industry.

The figures came as senior Scottish Fishermen’s Federation members attended the latest in a series of high level talks with the UK Government to discuss fishing post-Brexit.

The industry has been united in lobbying both the UK and Scottish governments to ensure control of UK waters is restored to this country, which can then negotiate access agreements with other coastal states in the requisite international meetings.

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the federation, said: ‘It’s clear from this poll that people can see Brexit presents the industry with a sea of opportunity.

‘They also recognise that the current practice whereby we are forced to let in boats from other European countries, which are then free to go home with around 58 per cent of the total catch in our waters, needs to end.’