THE Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has welcomed assurances from the UK Government that the industry will not be deployed as a “bargaining chip” in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.
In evidence to a Scottish Parliamentary committee, Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell emphasised the importance of fishing to Scotland.
He told members of the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee: “Our position going into the negotiations – I make this absolutely clear, since it is occasionally referenced in the media – is that there is absolutely no situation in which fishing will be a bargaining chip in the negotiations.
“It is a very important industry here in Scotland and I very much welcome its positive approach. However, we should not – and I certainly do not wish to – display any complacency in relation to the tough nature of the negotiations that may lie ahead.”
The SFF’s chief executive, Bertie Armstrong, said: “There would appear now to be a consensus on the part of the UK and Scottish governments that the fishing industry simply must not be deployed as a bargaining chip in the Brexit negotiations.
“David Mundell’s evidence to the Scottish Parliament committee this week and Scottish Fisheries Minister Fergus Ewing’s statement to MSPs in January are equally clear about that.
“This is very welcome news.”
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