Fish row: Progress in clearing EU delays

EU red tape that has been creating delays to seafood industry exports from the UK is being cut, the Scottish Seafood Exports Taskforce has heard.

The second meeting on Friday brought together key industry figures with ministerial representatives of the UK and Scottish governments.

UK Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis told the taskforce that streamlining of paperwork required by the EU had taken place as a result of industry feedback.

She said: “We are ensuring exports keep flowing and are fixing bureaucratic issues such as instances where the same information has to be input multiple times.

“We will continue to work closely with the industry and the Scottish Government to address any outstanding concerns.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland David Duguid said discussions are ongoing to ensure the industry gets the best out of financial support schemes offered by both the UK Government and the Scottish Government

However, Jimmy Buchan, chief executive of the Scottish Seafood Association, said although progress was welcome, more clarity about Scotland’s timeline for exiting lockdown was needed so businesses can plan for the future.