Speaking after raising the matter with the Prime Minister in the House of Commons, Jim Shannon said:
“The Government’s decision to grant EU vessels 12 years of continued access to UK waters is a blow for our fishing communities. For places like Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel, where fishing is a vital economic lifeline, this move will create uncertainty.
Sadly, in these negotiations it appears Labour has not prioritised the needs of our fishing communities and instead yielded to EU demands. The Prime Minister could have done more to protect local fishing businesses, but instead handed over continued access to UK waters.
This 12-year deal means foreign vessels continuing to compete for limited stock, more pressure on small operators, and another blow to coastal communities already struggling to survive.
I have raised this important issue in Parliament today with the Prime Minister. The Government needs to urgently explore how it can support the industry in other ways that helps alleviate the consequences of this twelve- year deal.”