The UK government’s allocation of fishing sector support to Scotland has provoked fierce backlash, with Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon branding the settlement “an insult” to a core national industry.
Ahead of a key Holyrood vote, Gougeon has rallied MSPs to unite against what she calls a deeply unfair decision. Scotland stands to receive just £28 million from the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund – only 7.78% -despite accounting for over 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity and seafood exports.
Gougeon criticised the allocation, stating: “Scotland accounts for more than 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity – yet this UK Labour Government thinks it is acceptable to give us just 7.78% of the funding. It is completely unjustifiable and an insult to the sector in Scotland”. She warned the new formula would mean “Scotland’s fishing industry is being short-changed by Westminster to the tune of more than a hundred million pounds”.
Referring to the previous arrangement, Gougeon pointed out: “As part of the EU, Scotland received 46% of the funding allocated to the UK – but with the Labour Government seeking to cut this down to a tiny fraction, it begins to look like Westminster is using Brexit for a cash grab for the sector south of the border.” She issued a direct challenge to Scottish Labour, asking, “Will they stand up for a crucial Scottish industry and its workforce or will they once again stand up for Keir Starmer?”
The Scottish Government remains resolute, vowing continued support for stakeholders and warning that Westminster’s approach shows a lack of care for Scotland’s sector. Gougeon asserted: “If the UK Government continues with this deeply damaging approach, they will be making clear that they simply do not understand or even care about Scotland’s fishing industry – and we should take these decisions ourselves with the fresh start of independence”.
In response, DEFRA defended the funding, stating: “This fund will revitalise the fishing sector and coastal communities right across the UK, spurring growth as part of our plan for change. Supporting devolved governments with this new funding will help get the money to where it’s most needed, so the sector can thrive for generations to come.”
With parliamentary debate mounting, Gougeon and industry leaders maintain only a fair funding arrangement can properly recognise Scotland’s major contribution to the UK fishing industry.
