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FISHERMEN HAVE DOUBTS, SAY MPS
FISHING communities still have “lingering doubts” over the Government’s commitment to them, a Tory MP said as he urged ministers against further Brexit concessions.
Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers sought an “absolute assurance” about the Government’s approach during Commons questions to the Department for Exiting the European Union.
The UK will effectively remain subject to the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy during the 21-month transition after Britain leaves in March 2019, which prompted MPs to voice concerns.
The North East retains a busy fishing industry out of ports such as North Shields, which is the largest English port for prawns.
Fishermen had wanted the UK to regain full control over its waters immediately after the country formally leaves the EU.
Speaking in the Commons, Mr Vickers said: “Notwithstanding what the minister has just said and his colleagues have repeated many times, there are lingering doubts amongst the fishing community in my constituency and in neighbouring Grimsby.
“Can he give an absolute assurance that there will be no further concession?”
Brexit minister Steve Baker replied: “You and (Scottish Conservative MP David Duguid) are both fierce champions of the fishing cause and I’m sure they will continue to hold us to account.
“What I would say to them is the Government fully understands and recognises this totemic importance of fishing.
“We will take that understanding forward to negotiations as we work to become an independent coastal state.
“And I very much look forward to my colleagues on this side of the House perhaps one day standing here as fisheries ministers themselves operating our own independent fishing policy.”
The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations has labelled it “absurd” for the EU to want access to fish in UK waters and quota shares in return for a free trade deal.