By David Langstane
SNP MP for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, Seamus Logan, has reacted with concern to news reports that the UK Labour Government’s EU negotiating team has agreed fishing concessions on quotas in order to secure a defence trade deal ahead of the UK-EU Summit in May.
‘The Times’ newspaper has reported that UK Government “negotiators had softened their stance on fishing” to enable British firms to bid for the new 150billion Euro EU Defence Fund. It also highlighted how British negotiators were open to offering a multi-year deal on fish to the EU rather than the present system of annual negotiations, as well as freezing fish quotas rather than reducing EU access further once the Trade and Cooperation Agreement expires in June 2026. This is in direct contradiction to the position taken by industry representatives such as the Scottish Fishing Federation who made this appeal to the UK Government ahead of reset discussions.
It seems improbable that negotiators would make such an error as offer a concession on fishing quotas in return for nothing more than ‘a chance” to bid on defence contracts: hardly an equitable quid pro quo. However, given the complete and utter lack of economic logical behind the Chagos deal, the kind of deal which wouldn’t survive the scrutiny of a Board Meeting in any company, fears are rife that these concessions are a distinct possibiity under Starmer’s leadership.
Commenting, on the Times article Mr Logan said:
“This article in ‘The Times’, if correct, is very concerning for the Scottish fishing industry and would represent a ‘volte face’ by the UK Government.
“I’ve previously called for clarity for fisheries on the UK Government’s reset plans with the European Union as a result of news reports from earlier this month that highlighted this potential linkage between defence and fisheries negotiations.
“I would hope that reports of the desire to find “an elegant solution” on fishing rights to ensure the security pact is not delayed, take into account the vital contribution of the fishing community to our food security in Scotland and the UK and the importance of protecting livelihoods in this sector. There is a necessity to forge an agreement separate from defence, energy security or indeed any other consideration. This is vital for Scotland, for my constituents and for the fishing industry.“
He went on to say: “The Prime Minister has already expressed his strong desire to fully support fisheries in a recent answer to my Prime Ministers’ Question on this issue and the Minister of State for DEFRA, Daniel Zeichner MP, has also pledged to push for the best possible opportunities for this sector. I therefore hope that clarification from Number 10 or the Ministerial negotiating team will be forthcoming to provide much needed reassurance on what has been agreed so far with the EU.”
The UK fishing industry feels it has been betrayed time and time again and that its interests are sacrificed for other political motives. The Government needs to provide clarity on this situation and affirm the support previously stated by both the Prime Minister and Daniel Zeichner.
