No deal ‘could bolster UK’ in fishing talks

The growing likelihood of a “no deal” can strengthen the hand of the UK in upcoming fishing talks, an industry leader said last night.

Mike Park, chief executive of the Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association – Scotland’s biggest fishing body – added: “It would give us complete control of our fisheries and a strong bargaining position.”

Mr Park also said the draft Brexit deal published on Wednesday appeared to leave the door open for an extended spell of Brussels having a major say over the management of UK fishing.

Much of the industry was still trying to make sense of the draft deal yesterday, with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation still urging “clarity” on what it means for the fleet.

Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation (SCFF) chairman Alistair Sinclair warned that Brexit – as it stands – threatened the livelihoods of many of its members around the country.

Most of their catch is exported live and there are growing fears it could get held up at English ports on the way to the Continent.

Mr Sinclair said: “If we end up with a hard Brexit, the inshore industry will need two consignment documents for every vessel that lands.

“There are not the resources to cope with that volume of paperwork.”

In the Commons, Theresa May said: “We have made clear in the outline political declaration, in relation to fishing opportunities, that the UK will be an independent costal state and that we will be ensuring that we take control of our waters.”