Meeting of the Parliament 30 April 2025
I welcome Tim Eagle’s recognition that the TCA did not deliver for the fishing sector. Perhaps the Scottish Tories should have opened the debate by offering an apology to our fishing communities, given the harmful Brexit deal that they inflicted on Scotland against our will. Far from delivering a sea of opportunity, they delivered the worst of both worlds, as was noted by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation. Coming to this chamber to pose as the champions of the fishing industry would be laughable if the matter was not so serious. The term “brass neck” springs to mind.
Benefits from the trade and co-operation agreement have been extremely limited. Moreover, the effects of Brexit represent permanent and on-going barriers to trade that significantly impair the competitiveness of our seafood sector. Today, this Government urges the UK Labour Administration not to repeat the failures of the previous UK Government. A heavy price has already been paid, with the fishing industry impacted far worse than many others. The Scottish Government cares deeply about securing a prosperous future for fishing communities and seeks to deliver the best outcome for our fishing interests in both catching and processing.
When I addressed the chamber on 18 February, in response to Beatrice Wishart’s members’ business debate, I emphasised that Scotland’s fishing industry is
“ingrained in our national identity.”—[Official Report, 18 February 2025; c 107.]
It plays a vital role in Scotland’s marine economy and it is a significant aspect of the economic, social and cultural fabric of Scotland’s rural, coastal and island communities. It is therefore essential that, as we face another milestone in the Brexit era, the UK Labour Government hears what we, in Scotland, have to say. I remain frustrated and deeply disappointed that, despite a promise to reset relationships, my UK Government counterparts have not sought to engage on these matters, which are of such importance to Scotland.
One of the Government’s priorities is driving economic growth, and fishing and our wider seafood sector are key parts of that. As I have just outlined, one of Scotland’s most important assets is our fishing industry, including the people and communities who make a living from it, and its contribution to the Scottish economy is vital.
Recent media coverage shows the lack of clarity in the UK Government’s strategy in the lead-up to the EU-UK summit on 19 May. I appreciate that Rhoda Grant states in her amendment that “speculation is not helpful”, but the UK Government has unfortunately left a complete vacuum on these issues, which means that there has essentially been no other option but to speculate.
It does not help when UK Government ministers contradict each other in what they say publicly. Stakeholders are blind, as are we, to what potential benefits—if any—might be sought by the UK Government and are left to worry about press statements and third-hand rumour. That is simply not good enough. We demand better for our fishing communities, given the disproportionate importance of fishing to the Scottish economy.