We’ll take Cornish fishermen’s fight to Westminster
Following a visit to the fishing port of Newlyn today, Liberal Democrat Shadow Brexit Minister, Tom Brake MP and Andrew George, former local MP and Shadow Fisheries Minister, pledged to to protect Cornish fishing interests in the Westminster Brexit debates.
Concern has been raised that promises made by Government Ministers that they would “take back control” for the benefit of UK fishermen cannot be delivered. Brexit supporting Ministers had claimed that the UK fishing industry would have exclusive access to all UK territorial waters. But it is now feared that local fishermen could end up with the worst of all worlds as they find the UK industry ruled by Europe but with no say.
Mr George and Mr Brake met Harbour master Rob Parsons and Commissioner, Lucy Parsons for a tour of the market and harbour before meeting Chief Exec. of the Cornish Fish Producers’ Organisation, Pack Trebilcock and Chair Andrew Pascoe.
Mr Trebilcock said, “It was good to see Andrew George back in Newlyn and talking fishing. He clearly understands the importance of fishing locally and nationally. Bringing the Liberal Democratic Brexit spokesman Tom Brake MP to Newlyn was appreciated. I think he listened and understood our concerns and hopefully will reflect them back at Westminster in the ongoing Brexit process.”
Andrew George added, “Newlyn has been going through important transitions since the Commission renewed its Governance following the 2010 Harbour Revision Order. It’s great to see the important investments around the market and harbour – up to another £10 million of mostly European grant aid. Rob Parsons and Commissioners are making important welcome changes.
“I was also pleased to renew my acquaintance with Paul, Andrew and others at the CFPO. I fear that Cornish fishermen are being misled by their political masters. That’s why I was keen to make sure that Tom Brake was able to come to Newlyn to take back messages to Westminster and to ensure our fishermen’s voice is heard.“