Brexit news: Michael Gove hails Brexit fishing victory
The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched their fisheries White Paper today outlining the post-Brexit plan for a new regime once the UK leaves the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy. Mr Gove, Theresa May's Environment Secretary, said as he launched the paper: “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.” Fishing groups across the UK are eager to keep more than 80 percent of their domestic catch after Brexit - something impossible given the current EU fishing quota policy.
British fishermen stage Brexit protest Sun, April 8, 2018 It's feared the UK’s transition deal with the European Union will leave the its fishing industry at the EU's mercy Play slideshow PA 1 of 7 UK fishermen fear the EU will impose laws that shrink British fishing fleets
Our fishermen will get their fish back, for 40 years they have been denied it Neil Parish MP
MPs questioned Mr Gove on the advantages of life for British fishermen outside the Common Fisheries Policy. Others praised the prospect, with Neil Parish MP declaring: "Our fishermen will get their fish back, for 40 years they have been denied it. “It will be great to see. We will be able to do a deal with the EU, Norway and Iceland because obviously the fish move around.” Mr Gove said: “I am in conversation with the Home Office to ensure that there is the work force the fishing industry needs.”
MP Liz Saville Roberts asked Mr Gove how he would ensure Welsh fishermen would not have tariff barriers when trading. Mr Gove said: “The EU wants to have a trade agreement with no barriers and I hope that not just Welsh fishermen, but fishermen across the country can benefit from that.” South Dorset MP Richard Drax asked about the Jurassic Coast and the affects of conservation zones on fishing in the area. In response to the question and answer session, Owen Paterson MP tweeted: “Good to hear Michael Gove confirm pilot of refined afford control systems for UK fisheries outside the disastrous EU Common Fisheries Policy.”
GETTY There were widespread protests over post-Brexit fishing policies earlier this year
During the questions, Mr Gove admitted that the government must do more for the UK’s coastal communities and he promised to ensure that fishing was as sustainable as possible so future generations could also benefit from the waters. He said that there would be a “revival” in the fishing industry and “economic renaissance” in fish processing. MP Luke Pollard tweeted: “Fishing is so important for Plymouth and I will be working to talk up our jobs and opportunities while also protecting the marine environment.”
ParliamentTV Michael Gove was quizzed by MP on the fishing policy
Speaking last night, Theresa May said: “As an island nation our fishing industry is the lifeblood of coastal communities around the UK. “When we leave the EU we will take back control of our waters, while ensuring we don't see our fishermen unfairly denied access to other waters. There were protests earlier this year when it was revealed that the UK would continue to be bound by the Common Fisheries Policy during the post-Brexit transition period which is due to run until the end of 2020.