Government accused of failing to act over fisheries policy

Parish has called for greater clarity on post-Brexit fisheries policy, and greater urgency in the publication of the Fisheries White Paper.

The committee launched a parliamentary inquiry into how potential changes to the fisheries and seafood trading arrangements between the UK and the EU would affect fishers, seafood processors, consumers, coastal communities and the environment.

Paused investigation​

It paused its investigation after being informed that a Fisheries White Paper would be published before Christmas. However, there has been no publication of the paper and the committee is calling for action.

Neil Parish MP, chair of the EFRA committee, has urged the Government to expedite the publication of the White Paper and provide much-needed certainty to a flagship British industry.

“My committee launched a parliamentary inquiry into fisheries in the autumn and has been awaiting the Fisheries White Paper in order to report on the issue,” ​said Parish. “We were promised the White Paper before Christmas, but we are still waiting and there are no signs that it will be published anytime soon.​

‘Dragging its heels’​

“The Government must stop dragging its heels over UK fisheries policy. It is essential for fishers, seafood processors and distributors, as well as coastal communities and consumers, that the Government provides clarity as soon as possible”.​

Earlier this month, trade groups backed the concerns of the EFRA committee after its report warned about the potentially “significant impact”​ on UK agriculture and knock-on impact on consumers of Brexit.

The paper warned that many farmers could be put out of business if the UK had no trade agreements in place when it officially left the EU.