Parliamentary debate secured on UK fishing industry
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has provisionally secured a parliamentary debate on the UK fishing industry. The debate, expected to be held on the 29th of June, will be an opportunity for MPs to raise a range of concerns faced by fishermen and the wider sector with ministers.
Mr Carmichael has called for all involved with the fishing industry, from catching to processing to exports and beyond, to contact his office to contribute their views in the run up to the debate.
Mr Carmichael said:
“The debates we have secured on fisheries in recent years have been an important way to get industry and coastal community needs on the parliamentary agenda. We need as many views on board as possible so I would strongly encourage as many people and businesses as possible to get in touch, either with myself or other local MPs, to ensure we get a good turnout and a wide range of contributions.
“There is no shortage of ground to cover. Whether it is the day-to-day challenges faced by fishermen, encroaching concerns over spatial squeeze in our waters, debates over new Highly Protected Marine Areas, access and training for fishing workers, trade challenges, issues around safety at sea and negotiations over quota and access – even with three hours of debate time we shall not struggle to fill it.
“MPs across Parliament recognise that the industry faces challenges and want it to succeed. It is time to apply pressure to the government to work to improve the situation.”