Calls for Westminster to protect Scottish seafood in no-deal Brexit
● Fergus Ewing warns no-deal could see Scottish exports ‘implode’
Thousands of tonnes of fresh Scottish fish and shell fish could be left to rot on the quayside in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to Scottish ministers.
Scotland’ s rural secretary Fergus Ewing has written to UK environment secretary Michael Go veto demand assurances that Scottish exports will be safeguarded if Britain leaves the EU without a deal.
He has raised concerns over a certification scheme that will be required to regulate imports and exports under a no-deal scenario.
He warns that potentially catastrophic transport delays and costs of up to £15 million a year could cause Scottish businesses to collapse.
In the letter, sent last week, Mr Ewing said :“I have highlighted my concerns on numerous occasions about the impact of a no-deal exit for Scotland’s seafood industry.
“The situation facing us is stark er than before, given that several candidates for the forthcoming Conservative leadership contest have raised the prospect that the UK could leave the EU without a deal.
“I am therefore writing to seek your commitment that you will do all you can to prevent the system for importing and exporting food from imploding.”
Mr E wing is suggesting a dedicated national export hub could be set up in Scotland to minimise disruption associated with the require - ment for Export Health Certificates (EHCS), which could have serious implications for perishable goods such as fish and shellfish.
He is asking for confirmation from Westminster that such a base could be named as the ‘place of origin’ for goods from around Scotland and that only a single certificate would be needed in cases where products of the same type were going to the same destination.
“If consolidation of commodities is not possible, then the costs of providing an EHC for every customer order would seriously affect the viability of smaller seafood businesses,” he wrote.
Industry leaders, who have been working with the Scottish Government to find a solution, echoed the calls.
Hamish Mac done ll, director of the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation, said: “The Scottish salmon sector has warned repeatedly of the potential difficulties a no-deal Brexit would cause, particularly as it would bring with it the prospect of fish exports to the EU needing export health certificates, which they don’t at the moment.”
Food exports to Europe– mostly fish and seafood – are worth £1.1 billion to the Scottish economy each year.
“I’m writing to seek your commitment that you will do all you can to prevent Scotland’s system for importing and exporting food from imploding” FERGUS EWING