John Lamont MP has met with local fishermen to discuss what they want out of the final Brexit deal.
Organised by the David Gilchrist, South of Scotland Seafish Training Manager, the hour-long meeting took place on Monday 2nd April at the Hippodrome in Eyemouth and was attended by around 30 fishermen from the Berwickshire coast and beyond.
During the discussion, fishermen outlined what they want to see from the final Brexit deal. The vast majority confirmed that their number one priority was for the UK to gain control over its own fishing waters.
Some attendees said they wanted to open up non-EU markets, especially for prawn fishing. Others said that the priority must be to address challenges many boats have in finding workers. The suggestion that the industry should get some financial support was also discussed as was making sure foreign boats had to comply with the same rules as UK boats.
The meeting was arranged after John Lamont MP strongly criticised the UK Government for agreeing to remain part of the Common Fisheries Policy until the end of 2020, as part of a transition deal with the EU.
John Lamont MP said: “This was an incredibly useful meeting and my thanks go to everyone who gave up a morning at sea to give me their views.
“There were a lot of different ideas put forward at the meeting. Some fishermen wanted better access to non-EU markets, others thought the challenges with finding workers needed to be addressed. I was also surprised to learn that foreign boats are not subject to the same rules as domestic boats, something which I think needs to change.
“What was certain from the meeting was that control over our own waters was a priority for everyone.
“Local fishermen provided me with a very clear view as to what they want out of the final Brexit deal.
“I repeated the point that I will not support any final Brexit deal which does not meet the aspirations of our fishing industry.”
David Gilchrist, South of Scotland Seafish Training Manager said: “It was good of John to come along and give local fishermen the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to him.
“Whilst economically the fishing industry is small compared to some other sectors, what should never be ignored is that to those living in places like Eyemouth, Burnmouth, Dunbar and Port Seton, is that fishing is their heritage, history and culture.
“The fishing industry is the backbone of many of these coastal communities. Together they have a voice that must not be ignored.”
Tom Johnston, Skipper of Crystal Stream (Eyemouth), said: “The meeting was a useful one. I was glad to get the opportunity to voice my concerns to someone who was prepared to listen.”