Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed the UK Government’s white paper on fishing which was published today (Wednesday). Douglas said: “This represents a vote of confidence in the future of the North East’s fishing communities. I and my fellow Scottish Conservatives and fishing industry representatives have made our views very clear and I am very pleased that the Government has listened to us.”
Douglas made his comments after the UK Government’s White Paper on fishing was launched. Douglas continued “There is no doubt that the Secretary of State understands the importance of fishing and this white paper reflects his personal commitment.
“I was disappointed by the announcement in March about the transitional arrangements for fishing as we leave the EU. I made my anger and frustration clear to ministers at the very top of Government, just as I made it clear to local people in Moray, including at a public meeting I held in Buckie. I was annoyed we had agreed to stay in the CFP for a further 12 months, but if ultimately we ended up leaving the CFP without fishing being traded for other industries in the EU negotiations we would finally break free from the hated policy.
“I simply would not support a Brexit which fails to deliver for the fishing communities I represent. Ironically the disappointing deal secured earlier this year allowed those of us supporting the fishing industry to have a louder voice at all levels of government and this white paper makes it clear that we are taking back control of fishing from the EU. Sadly the SNP response is to re-join the EU and the hated Common Fisheries Policy, that is something I will never support.
“This white paper is an encouraging start but it is very important that everyone works together to ensure that the measures announced in the white paper become a reality. This is what I will be concentrating on over the weeks and months ahead.”