Brexit ‘looms large’ over annual EU fishing quota talks, Holyrood hears

Fishermen will “never forgive” the SNP if they are forced to remain in the Commons Fisheries Policy (CFP), according to a Tory MSP.

Peter Chapman issued the warning as Holyrood’s rural economy Secretary prepared to travel to Brussels for fishing quotas talks – with the discussions to be the last the UK will take part in before leaving the European Union.

Mr Ewing said Brexit had “loomed large” over this year’s quota talks – which could mean permitted catches for mackerel, cod and haddock are cut. Mackerel quotas could be down by 20 per cent, while the cod catch could be reduced by 33 per cent, with haddock facing a slightly smaller reduction of 31 per cent.

While Scottish ministers have raised concerns Prime Minister Theresa May’s draft Withdrawal Agreement could mean the Scottish fleet is “sold out”, Mr Chapman insisted it was “pragmatic and workable”.

With First Minister Nicola Sturgeon having made clear “that she wants to stop Brexit in its tracks” Mr Chapman said the message to fishermen was that “the SNP will do everything they possible can to keep you in the hated CFP”.

He said: “Our fishermen will never forget and never forgive the SNP if they prevent us from leaving the hated and discredited CFP.”