Brexit news: Gove in rousing speech to defend post-Brexit fisheries plan
The Environment Secretary took questions from colleagues in the Commons today after he presented the Government's post-Brexit plans for British fisheries. The proposed blueprint would see British fishermen catch more fish after the European Union's strict quota system is dismantled after withdrawal. Mr Gove said: "My friend outside this House, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives Ruth Davidson, made the point that – and she argued a slightly different position during the referendum – when it comes to fish, certainly in the Conservative Party, we are all Brexiteers now. “It's an opportunity for our fishing industry to revive, for our coastal communities to thrive, and for us to set a gold standard on sustainable fisheries management.”
PARLIAMENT TV•GETTY Brexit news: Michael Gove said Brexit would offer fishermen more opportunities
Britain is currently bound by the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) which many British fishermen consider the cause of the decline that has hit the once florid fishing sector. The CFP allows vessels from EU member states to access UK fishing grounds and imposes strict catching quotas. Mr Gove continued: "In 2016, the UK exported £1.17 billion of seafood to the EU, and imported £1.04 billion from the EU. "Equipped with a new fisheries policy, the UK fisheries sector will be in a strong position to trade seafood with export markets around the world.” The Environment Secretary insisted that access to UK catch and waters "will be on our terms, under our control and for the benefit of UK fishermen."
When it comes to fish, certainly in the Conservative Party, we are all Brexiteers now Michael Gove