MPS urged to back Brexit legislation for new rules on fishing industry

MPS have been encouraged to back flagship Brexit legislation which will implement controls on foreign vessels seeking to access UK fishing waters.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said the Fisheries Bill would give the UK a chance to correct “shortcomings” in the Eu-led approach to fishing.

He told the Commons: “Overall the UK fishing industry currently has access to just around half of the fishing opportunities that are in our own waters and that cannot be right.”

George Eustice also told the second reading debate: “The Bill before the House today gives the UK the powers that it needs to chart a new course as an independent coastal state. It gives us the powers we need to implement the approach we outlined in our fisheries White Paper published in 2018.”

Mr Eustice said the legislation outlined the scientific and environmental principles which will guide future policy, adding to the Commons: “The Bill also gives us the power to control access by individual foreign vessels in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ).”

Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans confirmed the SNP’S amendment to decline the Bill a second reading before it is “clear what kind of deal” will be made with the EU after the end of the transition period has been selected for consideration.

Shadow environment secretary Luke Pollard said the Bill would not deliver a “coastal renaissance”. He said: “Fishing is a policy area where soundbites have often triumphed over substance.”