British MEP RIPS INTO Labour and SNP colleagues BETRAYING interests of UK fishermen
BRITISH MEP Nosheena Mobarik tore into colleagues from other parties for supporting a European Parliament bid to keep Britain inside the controversial Common Fisheries Policy after Brexit.
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The Tory Fisheries spokeswoman blasted fellow MEPs from Labour and the SNP for endorsing a report from the European Parliament (EP) suggesting the UK continue to apply the policy after Brexit.
Brexiteers have long demanded the Government ensure a complete break with the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) due to fishermen's belief the policy dramatically affected their livelihoods.
Ms Mobarik said: "While Conservative MEPs stood up for Britain's interests, the fisheries sector was betrayed today by Labour, the SNP, Lib Dems, the Greens and Plaid Cymru
"I cannot understand how any British MEP can endorse what amounts to blackmail by the European Parliament."
Fishermen have long complained about the unfairness of the CFP, which many blame for decimating what was once a national industry.
While Theresa May vowed the UK will regain full control of its waters, the transition period agreed between London and Brussels would see the country continue to abide by the CFP until December 2020.
Ms Mobarik continued: "This report says the UK must either give up the right to exercise control over its fishing grounds or face losing EU markets for its fish.
"This vote will not be forgotten by our fishing communities."
The EP report also suggested excluding fish from any future trade deal between Brussels and London unless the UK applies the CFP – a move that would effectively shackle Britain to the EU.
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This vote will not be forgotten by our fishing communities.
She continued: "Conservative MEPs have faith that, free from EU red tape and outdated systems, the UK can become a strong and dynamic maritime nation, as an island should be.
"It seems that the opposition parties have no such ambitions for our fishing fleet."
Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation member Alistair Sinclair said fishermen were deeply concerned about the state of negotiations.
He told the Today programme: "You can actually taste the fear, you can see the fear in the men’s eyes as well because the men have invested heavily in their boats and their gear.
“One stroke of a pen and all of that can go."