Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has welcomed the launch today by the Government of the ‘Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations’ White Paper.
Released today, the white paper from DEFRA sets out a future UK fisheries policy for when we leave the EU and take back control of our waters.
Commenting, Steve said:
“Throughout the Brexit process I have been clear that it is of vital importance that we get the right final outcome for our fishing fleets in a post-Brexit UK.”
“Hearing the voice of our fishing communities is crucial to this process.”
“I have previously questioned the Secretary of State for the Environment on this issue in Parliament and took the opportunity to do so again today. I look forward to welcoming him to Mevagissey later this year to discuss further with the fishermen there.”
“Since its publication I have already heard from the National Federation of Fisherman’s Organisations, who are broadly pleased their principal objectives are shared in the White Paper.”
These include:
The UK operating sustainable fisheries as an independent coastal state, with quota and access arrangements agreed in the context of annual fisheries agreements
Rebalancing quota shares to reflect the resources based in UK waters
Control over access to fish in UK waters
An adaptive management system tailored to the contours of our fleets
Unimpeded trade flows
“Today’s White Paper is a good start, and I will continue to work with the Government to ensure our fishing communities in Mid-Cornwall’s voices are heard loud and clear, and that the result after Brexit will be a more competitive, profitable and sustainable fishing industry across the whole of the UK, setting a gold standard for sustainable fishing around the world.”