Fishermen say leaving EU brings opportunities

THE Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) met with rural economy secretary Fergus Ewing last Tuesday July 4 in Glasgow, where it underlined the positive impact leaving the European Union (EU) would have on the way fisheries are managed in Scotland.

The SFF had campaigned to leave the EU and had the resounding support of its membership to do so after a series of consultations.

Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive, said: ‘We outlined to the minister the unanimous view of our membership of the real and positive opportunities that leaving the EU would bring to our fishing communities.

‘In effect, much in the same way as our oil and gas sector benefits from the UK’s territorial reach, it brings the opportunity of making Britain the controlling partner in the northern continental shelf where we would be able to exert a positive influence on the way that fisheries are managed, working with other nations in a partnership approach.

‘The minister listened carefully to our points of view and we both acknowledged that there was a significant divergence in our approach to EU membership.

‘However, there was also recognition from both parties of the need to maintain close dialogue and a good working relationship.’