The snp has condemned the tories for “shamefully” breaking their
brexit promises to scotland’s fishing industry and contrasted
their betrayal with the snp’s commitment to advocating for and
protecting their interests in the annual fishing
negotiations.
During a ministerial statement in holyrood on the negotiations,
the snp highlighted the uk government’s promise that brexit
would create “a sea of opportunity” for the scottish fishing
industry, indicating it would “drastically increase the amount of
fish we catch.”
Instead, scotland’s fishing industry has endured quotas for some
fish stocks being reduced, workforce shortages and greater trade
barriers.
Commenting, snp msp karen adam said:
“scotland’s fishing industry is world-class, providing healthy
produce and food security across scotland as a cornerstone of
rural and island communities.
“however, in recent years this industry has borne the brunt of
the tories’ broken brexit promises, and i echo the cabinet
secretary for rural affairs’ condemnation of westminster’s
shameful treatment of this sector.
“the reality is that there are now reduced fishing opportunities,
increased barriers to trade with our european neighbours, less
access to labour, a loss of eu funding (which has not been fully
replaced) and the possibility of retaliation with trade measures
by the eu if the uk government seeks to limit access to uk
waters.
“that is why the annual fisheries negotiations are so important
for scotland, and we are incredibly fortunate to be
represented by negotiators who have a wealth of experience. I
share the cabinet secretary’s confidence that they will, again,
deliver the best deal possible.
“but the only way to rid ourselves once and for all of the harms
of brexit, give scotland a voice and influence at the heart of
europe, and allow our marine sector to reach its full
potential is with the full powers of independence.”
