Negotiation shows up ‘weakest link’

Sir, – The weakest link has been identified in the latest Brexit negotiation and that “honour” falls to the dunce who allowed the EU fishing fleets to carry on as before with Common Fishery entitlements.

The purpose of leaving the EU and its multi-layered, rule-imposing, bully-boy threatening and lavish spendthrift lifestyle was to regain our unique UK sovereignty with all the opportunities and benefits, whilst harnessing all our assets and talent for the years ahead.

This capitulation of our great marine asset is a monumental own goal and heads need to roll for their betrayal of north-east communities dependent on a resurgent fishing industry.

Access to UK waters in future must cost every nation a huge fee (billions of pounds) so that the billions of pounds demanded by the EU exit charge can be met.

Common sense negotiation, if you want it – that is our price.

Being in control of our waters will give the UK the choice to do reciprocal deals with, say, Denmark or Norway or others, but firstly let’s hear the outrage so that the politicians and not fishing communities will be expendable and never forget our proud people will not bend the knee to Common Fishery eurocrats again.

Angus McNair, Farnachty,

Clochan, Buckie