This month, Shadow DEFRA Minister Dr Neil Hudson MP held an important meeting with representatives of the fishing industry, representing His Majesty’s Official Opposition to discuss the needs and concerns of the fishing industry.
The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) , invited Dr Hudson to their Annual General Meeting, to represent His Majesty’s Opposition by outlining the priorities of the Opposition for fisheries policy, including what steps they have taken in the past year to provide support, and to hear from representatives about their concerns.
Speaking to attendees, Dr Hudson reiterated the Opposition’s clear vision that “as an independent, sovereign, coastal nation, our fishing rights are a fundamental power we cannot weaken” and “are crucial for maintaining our food security and our economy”.
In this light, Dr Hudson’s remarks focused on the prominent issues that have threatened these rights, particularly the Government’s sellout of UK fishing rights for 12 years in their pursuit of closer ties with the EU particularly around defence, which recent reports have confirmed the EU will not be granting the UK. He outlined the fact that the Leader of the Opposition herself, Kemi Badenoch, was explicit that a reduction in our fishing rights would count as a breach as one of five tests for any deal with the EU.
This has also come in light of the recent conclusion of negotiations with the EU for the next quota for 2026, with increasing requirements for technical measures beyond previous practice of agreements on quota.
More widely, his remarks focused on other difficulties facing the industry including tackling the aging demographic of the fishing workforce and difficulties recruiting new generations to take on this vital work, tackling spatial squeeze that is being impacted by increased deployment of offshore wind, and supporting fishermen and women’s physical and mental health that can be affected by work that can often be dangerous and financially precarious.
Discussions with representatives of the fishing industry showed much agreement of the need to address these areas, particularly around the impact of the Government’s deal with the EU and the need to address spatial squeeze.
After attending the Annual General Meeting, Dr Hudson commented:
“I am grateful to the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations for inviting me once again to address their AGM.
I truly valued this opportunity to hear those on the frontline of our world-leading fishing industry about exactly where their concerns are.
I made clear that we as His Majesty’s Opposition are all hands on deck when it comes to holding this Government to account, from its disastrous sellout of UK fishing rights to the EU, to tackling long-running recruitment and retention issues, as well as the impact of offshore wind on the fishing industry.
I come away from this even more determined that our hard-working fishermen and women are heard by this Government and given the focus they need as one of our most treasured assets.”
ENDS
