A minister has admitted that fishing rights for European boats will be up for discussion during Labour’s negotiations to “reset” relations with the EU. Farming and fisheries minister Daniel Zeichner said that EU countries were “clearly pushing very hard” for greater access to UK waters following Britain’s exit from the Bloc.
The EU has demanded access to the UK’s waters in return for a new defence cooperation plan. Mr Zeichner was asked about the move during a debate in Parliament on Wednesday. He said: “Clearly there is a negotiation going on by proxy, if not directly, at the moment, so I will not comment on the individual points that have been made other than to reflect that we are determined to get the best possible outcome for our nation.
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“The Government are absolutely committed to a reset with the European Union, but I assure the House of my determination that we get a good outcome for the fisheries sector.”
His comments are the first admission by the Government that fishing rights will be up for discussion as part of the wider reset of relations.
However, MPs warned that fishing should not be used as a “bargaining chip” with the EU.
Tory MP Dr Neil Hudson said: “Our dedicated fishing industry does so much for our nation and food security, doing work that is often dangerous and they are true unsung heroes. The previous Government began the work of using our power as a sovereign coastal state to secure quotas with the EU through the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.”
“With a critical juncture close on the horizon with negotiations for fishing quotas after June 2026, it is crucial the Government builds on this progress with a proper plan to ensure our fishing industry gets the fair access to water and fish they rightly deserve. UK fishing must not be used as a bargaining chip by this Labour Government in their negotiations with Europe.”
The previous Conservative Government secured the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which provided a transitory framework for fishing quotas for UK fishermen and women in EU waters until June 2026.
After this date, negotiations between the European Union must take place each year to secure future quotas.
