North Devon MP slams Government’s ‘failure’ to protect local fishing industry

North Devon’s MP has condemned a deal by the Government to give EU fishing trawlers extensive access to British fishing waters for a further 12 years.

Ian Roome MP said the fishing community “deserve more than broken promises and bureaucratic barriers.”

As part of  wide-ranging deal with the EU that includes passport checks, migrant workers, defence, food exports and more, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to maintain the right of EU vessels to fish in UK waters until 2038, with the current deal under the original Brexit agreement due to expire next year.

The Liberal Democrats say they have ‘consistently pushed for a fair deal for the UK fishing industry post-Brexit, including stronger support for fishing exports and less red tape’.

Responding to the news, Mr Roome said: “This is yet another example of the Government failing to stand up for the British fishing industry and our coastal communities, including North Devon.

“The industry was promised greater control after Brexit by the Conservatives, but were let down by their sham deal and have been handed years of uncertainty and continued restrictions.

“I’ve met with numerous businesses in the seafood sector and fishing industry right across North Devon and discussed the current challenges they’re facing. From Appledore and Ilfracombe to Clovelly and beyond, fishing and seafood are a vital part of our coastal identity and play a huge role in supporting the local economy here in North Devon.”

He said it was ‘unbelievable’ a Labour government had extended the ‘dreadful deal’ signed by Boris Johnson and the Conservatives.

He added: “If they had followed our advice and been more ambitious from the start — including pushing for a new, bespoke UK-EU deal — they could have delivered a far better outcome.

“The very least the Government must now do is work with our fishing community to understand how this deal will affect them and push for fairer export terms to the continent. They deserve more than broken promises and bureaucratic barriers.

“The Liberal Democrats will always stand up for the fishing community; that’s why we’re also urging the Government to create a minister for coastal communities, so they have a genuine and dedicated champion in government.”