Labour has failed to rule out fishing access concessions after the EU issued a “dangerous” ultimatum.
Farming and Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner stated that EU countries were "clearly pushing very hard" for increased access to UK waters.
His comments followed the EU's demand that Britain concede to its fishing demands in exchange for a new deal on defense cooperation.
The "dangerous" ultimatum provoked outrage among MPs and the fishing industry, who called on PM Sir Keir Starmer to "stand up" to Brussels.
The Prime Minister aims to secure a new security pact with the EU in response to the US shifting its focus from Europe to the Pacific.
Last week, Sweden’s EU affairs minister Jessica Rosencrantz said Starmer would have to cave on fishing in return.
Speaking to Politico, she said: “Just to be clear, I think it’s really important that the EU and UK work together on defence and security.”
“Obviously, there are other sensitive issues as well for many member states which also need to be resolved, fisheries being one.”
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Meanwhile, France is demanding more access to British waters - pushing the EU to take the harshest stance possible.
During a debate in Parliament on Wednesday, Zeichner was asked about the demands.
He said: “Clearly there is a negotiation going on by proxy, if not directly, at the moment, so I will not comment on the individual points that have been made other than to reflect that we are determined to get the best possible outcome for our nation.”
He added that the Government were “absolutely committed” to a reset with the EU, assuring the House there would be a good outcome for the fisheries sector.
Zeichner’s comments are the first time the Government has admitted that fishing rights will be up for discussion.
The original Brexit agreement included a five-year transition period during which EU boats were assured continued access to UK waters, although their share of fishing quotas has steadily decreased.
This transition period will end in 2026, meaning from next year, Brussels will need to negotiate annual access for EU boats.
Several EU countries are now dissatisfied with this arrangement and are urging Brussels to pressure Britain into granting permanent access to their trawlers.
Zeichner told MPs it was a “very important point” that access negotiations were set to become annual from the coming year.
He added: “Other countries are clearly pushing very hard, and we will push equally hard for our sector.”
Labour MP for Grimsby Melanie Onn urged the Government to stand up for British fisheries in upcoming talks.
She said: “It poses an inherent danger when the desire for safety and security in our nation is potentially weighed against livelihoods and an industry.”
Conservative MP John Cooper warned that fishing crews may become “bargaining chips” in talks.
He remarked: “What Labour expects from this reset is opaque at best, but the EU - good protectionist that it is - has already drawn up an invoice, and top of its list is fishing.”
He added that just as Labour’s Employment Rights Bill took the country back to 1979 and the winter of discontent, fishing was heading back to 1973.
“Britain’s status as an independent coastal state was hard won, and we must not allow our fleet to be dragged back into the ambit of the hated common fisheries policy,” the MP said.
Cooper warned against allowing a link between fisheries and market access to be established.
Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations Mike Cohen, asked the Government to be “robust” in response to Brussels's demands.
He argued the UK should make demands of its own, such as the expulsion of EU trawlers from British coastal waters.
A Government spokesman said: “We are committed to building a new relationship with the EU to improve the British people’s security, safety and prosperity. Our starting point will always be to act in Britain’s national interest and we will of course listen to sensible proposals.
“We have always been clear that we will protect the interests of our fishing communities and fulfil our international commitments to protect the marine environment.”
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Farming and Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner stated that EU countries were "clearly pushing very hard" for increased access to UK waters.
His comments followed the EU's demand that Britain concede to its fishing demands in exchange for a new deal on defense cooperation.
The "dangerous" ultimatum provoked outrage among MPs and the fishing industry, who called on PM Sir Keir Starmer to "stand up" to Brussels.
The Prime Minister aims to secure a new security pact with the EU in response to the US shifting its focus from Europe to the Pacific.
Last week, Sweden’s EU affairs minister Jessica Rosencrantz said Starmer would have to cave on fishing in return.
Speaking to Politico, she said: “Just to be clear, I think it’s really important that the EU and UK work together on defence and security.”
“Obviously, there are other sensitive issues as well for many member states which also need to be resolved, fisheries being one.”
MORE LIKE THIS:
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Meanwhile, France is demanding more access to British waters - pushing the EU to take the harshest stance possible.
During a debate in Parliament on Wednesday, Zeichner was asked about the demands.
He said: “Clearly there is a negotiation going on by proxy, if not directly, at the moment, so I will not comment on the individual points that have been made other than to reflect that we are determined to get the best possible outcome for our nation.”
He added that the Government were “absolutely committed” to a reset with the EU, assuring the House there would be a good outcome for the fisheries sector.
Zeichner’s comments are the first time the Government has admitted that fishing rights will be up for discussion.
The original Brexit agreement included a five-year transition period during which EU boats were assured continued access to UK waters, although their share of fishing quotas has steadily decreased.
This transition period will end in 2026, meaning from next year, Brussels will need to negotiate annual access for EU boats.
Several EU countries are now dissatisfied with this arrangement and are urging Brussels to pressure Britain into granting permanent access to their trawlers.
Zeichner told MPs it was a “very important point” that access negotiations were set to become annual from the coming year.
He added: “Other countries are clearly pushing very hard, and we will push equally hard for our sector.”
Labour MP for Grimsby Melanie Onn urged the Government to stand up for British fisheries in upcoming talks.
She said: “It poses an inherent danger when the desire for safety and security in our nation is potentially weighed against livelihoods and an industry.”
Conservative MP John Cooper warned that fishing crews may become “bargaining chips” in talks.
He remarked: “What Labour expects from this reset is opaque at best, but the EU - good protectionist that it is - has already drawn up an invoice, and top of its list is fishing.”
He added that just as Labour’s Employment Rights Bill took the country back to 1979 and the winter of discontent, fishing was heading back to 1973.
“Britain’s status as an independent coastal state was hard won, and we must not allow our fleet to be dragged back into the ambit of the hated common fisheries policy,” the MP said.
Cooper warned against allowing a link between fisheries and market access to be established.
Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations Mike Cohen, asked the Government to be “robust” in response to Brussels's demands.
He argued the UK should make demands of its own, such as the expulsion of EU trawlers from British coastal waters.
A Government spokesman said: “We are committed to building a new relationship with the EU to improve the British people’s security, safety and prosperity. Our starting point will always be to act in Britain’s national interest and we will of course listen to sensible proposals.
“We have always been clear that we will protect the interests of our fishing communities and fulfil our international commitments to protect the marine environment.”
Find Out More...