Minister admits there is work to be done amid post-Brexit seafood exports ‘shambles’

AN ENVIRONMENT Minister has acknowledged there is “work to be done” to overcome difficulties faced by the seafood industry in exporting to Europe post-Brexit.

Lord Gardiner of Kimble made his comments as he was confronted over the “sense of betrayal” felt by producers at the Government’s “broken promises” on fishing outside the EU.

In the face of sustained criticism at Westminster, the Tory frontbencher restated the commitment given by Prime Minister Boris Johnson that compensation would be given to businesses “that have suffered genuine loss through no fault of their own as a result of disruption and delays of seafood exports to Europe”.

Exports of fresh fish and seafood have been severely disrupted by delays since the UK’s transition period ended on December 31, culminating in a lorry protest in central London on Monday, involving seafood hauliers from across the country, including Bridlington.

The new checks and paperwork have been causing huge delays since the UK left the European Union, with seafood producers growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of government action.

Tackling the Minister in the House of Lords over the anger felt by business, Labour frontbencher Baroness Jones of Whitchurch said: “Does he understand the sense of betrayal they feel now the reality of the Government’s broken promises become apparent?

“They are furious that you have tried to present the agreement as a major success when it is patently clear it is not.”

Pressed over compensation to make up for “this shambles”, Lord Gardiner said a £23m support package would be available.

He also insisted the Brexit deal had secured “an uplift in quota” for the UK fishing industry.

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Teverson said: “I note the one area where Brexit could have been a real success and important to one of our important industrial sectors has been a complete failure in terms of its negotiation.”

Lord Gardiner said the Government has been working with industry and members states “to resolve issues with documentation”. “I think there is work to be done this side of the Channel and with our neighbours to improve what have been some early problems that we need to resolve.”