SNP hit by ‘hypocrisy’ jibe over fishing bill

MPs’ signatures spark criticism of party’s Brexit policies

SNP MPs have been accused of “hypocrisy” on Europe after signing a pledge that would protect fishermen by keeping Scotland out of the EU.

Politicians including Mike Weir, the Angus MP and party’s chief whip, and Banff and Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford backed a campaign to keep the country free of Common Fisheries Policy rules, a cornerstone of Brussels rules.

The SNP has long been sceptical of CFP, which gives all European fishing fleets equal access to EU waters and fishing grounds. However, its official position is for an independent Scotland to be part of the EU.

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “The nationalists can’t have it both ways – if you’re in the EU, you have to be in the CFP too.

“It underlines the hypocrisy at the heart of the SNP when it comes to Brexit matters.”

The pledge card signed by the MPs says: “We must avoid any policy, practice, regulation or treaty which could return us to the Common Fisheries Policy and the enforced giveaway of almost two-thirds of our fish stocks.”

David Mundell, the Scottish secretary, also signed it, in the process committing the UK Government to protecting fishermen’s rights, something opponents have claimed will be negotiated away in Brexit talks.

He said: “I was delighted to sign this pledge. The UK is leaving the CFP, we will regain control of our fishing and I look forward to working with the industry.”

However, Dr Whiteford insisted the party’s policy “has always been consistent” in its opposition to CFP.

She added: “It’s absolutely critically important the fishing industry is not sold out on the way out of the EU as it was on the way in.

“If we leave the single market as well as the EU, then we create some real challenges for those parts of the industry that export to EU countries and to other parts of the world via EU trade agreements.”

An SNP spokesperson added: “The SNP will always stand up for Scotland’s industries and is committed to making sure that when it comes to Scotland’s fisheries, we have a seat at the top table rather than relying on the Tories – who described Scotland’s fishing industry as ‘expendable’.”

Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “The whole industry, from those who go to sea through the processors to the hauliers, is united behind one simple aim – our coming out of the EU and the CFP.”

Picture: Dougie Nicolson SNP MP Mike Weir has pledged support for protecting fishermen against EU rules, yet his party is strongly pro-EU.