Carmichael raises opportunities in EU 2026 negotiations while leading parliamentary debate on UK fishing industry

28 Nov 2024

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today led a three-hour parliamentary debate on the UK fishing industry, raising a wide range of issues important to coastal communities, including the upcoming Trade and Cooperation Agreement review with the European Union. 

During the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“At the point of leaving the European Union, expectations among the fisheries industries were very high, especially in the catching sector. It was the most obvious industry to expect a win from our departure from the European Union, and it was certainly promised one. It really takes something to do worse than the common fisheries policy, but somehow or other we found ourselves with a deal that the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation described at the time as “the worst of both worlds”.

“We are in the transitional arrangements at the moment; the review will take effect over the course of next year and into 2026. From the discussions that I have had, I know that the EU sees that as a priority, and I would like to hear from the Minister that the Government see it in those terms as well.

“The core issues at play are obvious: we are looking at quota numbers, specific stock allocations and, of course, access. It will take political will from this Government to win back the ground lost by Boris Johnson, but fishing communities expect positive change to be delivered. The fishing industry has a great story to tell; it is rooted in the island and coastal communities that define our country. The new Government have the chance to be part of that story and to close the sorry chapter of missed opportunities.”

After the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“This was an extremely useful debate. The wide-ranging contributions and knowledge shown across the House should be both an encouragement and a warning to ministers. They have an opportunity to repair the damage caused to fishing interests by the previous government – but if they do not take that opportunity there will be no shortage of motivated voices from across Parliament to hold them to account.”

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