Fears defence negotiations could hurt fishing

Fishing industry leaders have said they are concerned defence negotiations with the EU could lead to the bloc's fishing vessels having increased access to UK waters.

The issue was raised by MPs at an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee meeting which heard the fishing industry was not "a bargaining chip" that could be "traded against defence".

A key trade agreement between the UK and the EU is due to be reviewed in 2026.

The government insisted talk about fishing rights being linked to discussions about defence was pure speculation.

Chris Ranford, chief executive of the Cornish Fish Producers Association, said: "It's really important our government stand up to this - we see it as bullying tactics.

"We have something really important in the UK - our fishing waters are highly productive.

"It's clear they want access attached to this defence contract but our government really needs to stand up for the fishing industry."

In a Westminster Hall debate on fishing quota negotiations on 26 March, Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives, said: "The fishing industry has often been used as a pawn - a bargaining chip. It would be a great pity if that happened again."

Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for Totnes, said: "We should not allow the defence of Europe and the security of our nation to be negotiated against the fishing industry."

Aphra Brandreth, Conservative MP for Chester South, said: "As the government have said, food security is national security, and we cannot have our fishing communities and fishing stocks traded against defence in any way."

EU leaders have backed plans to jointly borrow €150bn (£126bn) to lend to EU governments for military expenditure.

Speaking at an Environment Committee on Tuesday, farming minister Daniel Zeichner said: "The French will say what they will say, but we are absolutely determined to stand up for the interests of the UK fishing industry.

"I wouldn't believe everything that is rumoured around an issue like this, because obviously there is lots and lots of speculation, but of course, we have discussions, because the transitional period comes to an end in the middle of next year. But no decisions have been taken and there is no linkage.

"I'm absolutely determined we get the best possible outcome for UK fishers because they're a very important source of food supply."

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