Huge majority back swift exit from EU fisheries regulations

THE vast majority of both Remain and Leave voters want the UK to escape EU fishing rules as soon as possible.

A You Gov poll of 1,631 people found that 79 per cent of voters who expressed an opinion believe the country should exit the Common Fisheries Policy right away or after a short bridging period.

Only 15 per cent think the UK should regain control at the end of a two-year transition period and 6 per cent want to remain within the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Even among Remain voters, nearly two-thirds supported an immediate exit from the CFP.

The Scottish Fisheries Federation (SFF) has been urging ministers to ensure a sharp exit from the CFP within nine months of Britain formally leaving the EU in March 2019.

SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said: ‘It is clear that there is overwhelming public support for the UK to regain control of what is, after all, part of its natural capital – the fish stocks around our shores.

‘It is pleasing that voters have also been persuaded that it makes sense for us to leave the CFP within the early stages of the transition period.’

A Defra spokesman said: ‘We remain committed to leaving the CFP and developing arrangements for fishing that can create a more profitable and self-sufficient seafood sector.’