Scottish Fishing

In 1973 when the UK joined the EEC, Ted Heath decided that the fishing sector was expendable. Mr Heath’s decision is important to understanding the UK’s perspective on Scottish fishing.

As recently as last month the UK Government had a ban on the international trading of skates and rays quotas. Eventually, after the Scottish Government pressed the issue, the UK Government lifted the ban. This has now allowed monkfish quota to be imported into Scotland- a trade which will be worth up to £600,000.

It is this kind of behaviour that leads me to the conclusion that Scottish fishing is an afterthought to the UK Government. So long as it is an afterthought, there will be a continuing danger of the UK ignoring what is best for the sector.

Currently, there continues to be much discussion of what opportunities might emerge from Brexit. While this is one perspective, it is also important to consider the impact of funding withdrawal and trade alterations that may emerge post-Brexit. Indeed, there is no guarantee on how the fishing industry will be dealt with in the context of negotiations. The UK Government has not made any commitment on how it will negotiate and historically Westminster has left something to be desired.

In Scotland we take a different view. The Scottish Government recognises the immense value of the industry, which amounts to hundreds of millions of pounds. What’s more is that it is a massive chunk of our food exports. In rural areas like the North-east fishing has an even closer relationship to our people. The industry provides an economic boon for both those who work directly in the sector and to those with businesses that indirectly rely on the success of the sector.

The Scottish Government has made sure to support the development of the fishing and processing sector, delivering £77m in grant assistance through the European Fisheries Fund between 2007 and 2015. In doing so, up to 2000 jobs have been safeguarded along with the delivery of £180m total investment in the sector. The Scottish Government is still due to receive 107 million Euros from the European and Maritime and Fisheries Fund. At the moment, there is no commitment from the PM Theresa May to protect that funding.

Alternatively in Scotland, the Cabinet Secretary for Fisheries, Fergus Ewing has committed to championing the industry. He has expressed that we need to protect these interests and explore all possibilities in how that can be best achieved. It is about more than jobs-it is about the quality of life for people who live in some of our most remote communities.

Based on a long experience with an uninterested Westminster establishment, I consider it unwise to assume that the UK Government put the interest of Scottish fishing first. They have faced the choice before and I do not doubt they will choose political gain over the livelihood over those living in our fishing communities.