Coastal communities across the South West will benefit from an historic new fisheries agreement signed with Norway this week – the UK’s first since leaving the EU and first as an independent coastal state in 40 years.
The Fisheries Framework Agreement, signed by Environment Secretary George Eustice and Norwegian Fisheries Minister Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen, means the UK and Norway will hold annual negotiations on the issues of access to waters and quotas.
Leaving the EU means the UK is able to decide who can access its waters and on what terms, in the best interest of its marine environment and its seafood and fishing sectors.
The news comes as the Fisheries Bill, which confirms the government’s commitment to sustainable fishing for future generations, makes its way through the House of Commons.
The Conservatives were elected on a manifesto promise to level up communities across the country – not just in towns and cities but also rural and coastal areas such as those in the South West.
As we build back better from coronavirus, the Prime Minister has pledged to honour this commitment, with the Conservative manifesto promising to maintain funding for fisheries across the UK’s nations throughout the Parliament and support the regeneration of coastal communities.
Cherilyn Mackrory, Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth, said:
“I am absolutely delighted to support this crucial deal, which is a significant step forward as the UK prepares to leave the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy at the end of the transition period in December.
“As the wife of a fisherman who fishes out of Falmouth I am clear about how important it is that we obtain the very best deal for our vital fishing industry as we navigate through Brexit and beyond.”
“This deal highlights the Government’s commitment to future co-operation in securing responsible management of our seas and is evidence of how the government is delivering for coastal communities.”
Secretary of State George Eustice said:
“I am delighted that a Framework Fisheries Agreement with Norway has been successfully secured.
“The agreement is testament to our commitment to acting as a co-operative independent coastal state, seeking to ensure a sustainable and a prosperous future for the whole of the UK fishing industry.
“I pay tribute to our Norwegian counterparts for the constructive approach they adopted throughout these negotiations, and we look forward to working with them closely in the coming years.”