The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Demand for post-Brexit change to fishing policy
Ruth Davidson and Michael Gove have teamed up to call for the UK to leave the common fisheries policy (CFP) when Britain leaves the European Union.
The Scottish Conservative leader and UK Environment Secretary said it is “vital” that the country regains control over its own fisheries management after it has left the bloc in March 2019.
The call comes as Scottish fishermen made the same demand and said they want the UK to operate as “a fully functioning coastal state” from day one following the exit.
Chancellor Philip Hammond said he wanted to ensure “that British fishermen get a better deal in the future than the one they’ve had in the past”. But he also said Brexit talks may involve negotiating reciprocal access rights for fishermen from the European Union.
The statement from Ms Davidson and Mr Gove says: “We believe it is vital that we regain control over our own fisheries management.
“We want to use the opportunity of Brexit to secure a sustainable marine environment for the next generation.
“As proud Scots, we feel a particular debt to fishing communities who are looking to government to deliver a better deal for them. We agree we must deliver a fairer allocation for the British fleet in our own waters.
“As we leave the EU, we want the UK to become an independent coastal state, negotiating access annually with our neighbours. And during the implementation period we will ensure British fishermen’s interests are properly safeguarded.”
The politicians were on opposing sides in the EU referendum campaign in 2016, but say they are united in their determination to ensure “Brexit delivers for Britain’s fishing communities”.
The statement, in the Sunday Times Scotland, continues: Whatever differences we had on Brexit, we both agree that our fishing industry stands to benefit from our departure from the common fisheries policy.”