Weir Supports Moves to Repatriate Fishing Control

 

Angus MP Mike Weir is supporting moves to return responsibility for fisheries and marine conservation to national control.

 

The SNP have lodged an amendment to the European Union (Amendment) Bill that has received backing from a leading fishing organisation this weekend.

 

The Fishermen's Association Limited (FAL) are encouraging cross-party support for the proposals which will be considered in the House of Commons and have written to all Scottish MPs urging them to back the amendment.

 

The UK Government agreed to the Lisbon Treaty without seeking any changes to the text which enshrines fisheries in the EU Reform Treaty as an 'exclusive competence'. National control of fisheries is a 'red line'issue for the Scottish Government, and First Minister Alex Salmond, who is also a member of the UK Parliament, will be supporting the amendment in the Commons and called on MPs of all parities to do likewise.

 

Commenting on the move Mr Weir said

 

"This amendment is crucial for the future of fishing, and fishermen and industry organisations clearly back the return of competence over the sector to national control.

 

“The fishing industry in Angus has suffered horrendously under the Common Fisheries Policy, despite the fact that Scottish fishermen are recognised as the most environmentally friendly in the European Union .

 

"It is no coincidence, however, that the most successful and sustainable fisheries all operate outside the CFP. Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland all have well managed, environmentally sustainable and economically viable fisheries operating outside the CFP, and Scotland should have the chance of a similar future

  

"With nearly a third of Europe's waters, and the lion's share of the UK's fishing interests, it is crucial that all Scottish MP's back this amendment.

 

"National control of fishing should have been one of the red lines when the Lisbon Treaty was negotiated. Instead, the Prime Minister betrayed the national interest, and we now need this amendment to secure the future of our fishing industry and communities.”