Davidson and Scottish MPS refuse to back deal that fails to guard fishing stocks

European Council meeting. Fishermen had wanted Britain to regain full control over access to its fishing waters immediately after the formal date for Brexit. Instead, the EU will maintain control via the Common Fisheries Policy, with Britain only allowed to be “consulted” on quotas until the start of 2021.

Campaigners fear that Britain’s fishing fleet, which comprises 3,500 boats, will be cut radically owing to the deal.

Mr Rees-mogg, joined by Tory MPS including Craig Mackinlay and Sheryll Murray, intends to board a fishing boat tomorrow and throw a box of haddock, skate and bass into the Thames to draw attention to Mrs May’s alleged betrayal.

Mr Rees-mogg’s European Research Group had until now largely supported Mrs May in the Brexit negotiations, but a spokesman for the ERG said: “If Brexit means Brexit, we have to take control of our fish.”

Alan Hastings, a spokesman for Fishing For Leave, which is organising the protest, said: “The EU has every incentive to wipe us out in 21 months and they will be ruthless enough to do it. And our lot have put us in this position.” The group accused Mr Davis of an “abject, disgusting betrayal” and demanded both he and Mrs May resign.

Ms Davidson said the transition deal was “an undoubted disappointment” for fishermen. In a statement agreed by the 13 Scottish Tory MPS, Ms Davidson said she wanted to make clear she would refuse to support a deal that “fails to deliver that full control over fish stocks and vessel access”. It is understood David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary, supports the ultimatum.

Last night Mrs May sent a letter to Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, supporting the progress made by negotiators. She wrote: “The UK Government stands behind it.”