New fisheries minister at DEFRA
Conservative MP for Camborne and Redruth George Eustice was appointed as the new fisheries minister in the government reshuffle this month.
Eustice took over from fellow tory MP for Newbury Richard Benyon, who had served for almost five years in both shadow and government capacities.
Last week, during a visit to the UK’s largest white fish and pelagic port in Peterhead, Scotland, Eustice said there were important negotiations to be had with fishermen relating to cod quotas.
“Reducing quotas at a time when stocks have increased would only lead to increased discards which no one wants,” he said. “I want to work closely with fishermen so we can achieve our shared goals of a thriving fishing industry, sustainable fish stocks and a healthy marine environment.”
Meanwhile, in a reshuffle of the shadow cabinet, Maria Eagle replaced Mary Creagh as shadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs. Creagh, who is MP for Wakefield, was promoted to shadow secretary of state for transport.
Conservative MP for Broxtowe Anna Soubry was transferred to the Ministry of Defence – being replaced by Tory MP for Battersea Jane Ellison.