Warning that UK could be subject to EU fishing quotas during transition

Fears have been raised that Scottish fishermen could be subject to EU quotas without the UK having a say in how they are set during the planned two-year transition out of the EU.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Theresa May confirmed for the first time that the UK will be leaving the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), but left the door open to remaining subject to EU fishing restrictions during a transition phase extending beyond Brexit.

Responding to a question 0 Theresa May: UK will leave Common Fisheries Policy from Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael on whether EU fishing rules would apply during the twoyear transition, Mrs May said they would be “part of that agreement”.

Mr Carmichael warned that leaving the CFP in March 2019 but remaining subject to fishing restrictions, which are set each December for the subsequent year, would be “simply unacceptable” to fishermen who campaigned for Brexit.

“The question that I put to the Prime Minister could not have been more straightforward,” he said. “Unfortunately, the same could not be said for her answer.

“Once we leave the EU we shall no longer have a seat at the table when the December Fisheries Council sets allowable catches and quotas.”