Latest news with #MikeCohen
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
MicroStrategy isn't the enemy. Mining monopolies are, warns Pow.re CEO
MicroStrategy isn't the enemy. Mining monopolies are, warns CEO originally appeared on TheStreet. Bitcoin is closely associated with libertarian values. One of its promises is that no single person or entity controls it. This is completely opposite to fiat currencies, which are generally controlled by a central bank. Central banks can print as much money as they like, they can remove money from the supply and set interest rates independently of what normal people actually want and need. There are countless examples of nations destroying their citizen's wealth by printing more money. Even before paper money existed, debasing currencies has contributed to the fall of great empires like Rome. Zimbabwe, Weimar Germany, and Argentina are more recent examples of what happens when governments hyper-inflate their currency. Mike Cohen, CEO of sat down with TheStreet Roundtable's Jackson Hinkle to discuss the increasing interest of nation-states and legacy financial institutions in Bitcoin. In the last year, institutional interest in Bitcoin has skyrocketed, especially around the numerous ETFs that were launched in early 2024. Nation states have also become increasingly involved, with the U.S. considering Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bills at the state and federal level. Another notable example is El Salvador, which has bought millions of dollars worth of the digital asset for their coffers. Several Bitcoin treasury companies like Saylor's Strategy have popped up in the last year. These events have been decried by many Bitcoin OGs, who claim that these institutions and nations are eroding the decentralized nature of Bitcoin. Cohen believes that these concerns are overhyped, stating 'I don't think who holds the Bitcoin is ultimately the decentralization risk.' Many point to the fact that Michael Saylor's Strategy has accumulated roughly 2.7% of the total Bitcoin supply. However, there is nothing he can do with his Bitcoin that someone with just 1/10th or even 1/100th of a Bitcoin cannot do. His Bitcoin is subject to the same rules as everyone else in the network, a feature fiat currencies and many other cryptocurrencies lack. As Cohen pointed out, 'a bunch of sovereign wealth funds making the number go up (is) not necessarily a bad thing.' Everyone who holds Bitcoin benefits from a higher price for the asset. At press time, the asset was valued at $105,165, according to Kraken's price feed. While he expressed disappointment that Bitcoin 'hasn't ended up in more people's hands and a lot of it may end up in sovereign wealth funds and nation-states,' the fear that Bitcoin will lose its decentralized nature is unjustified. Cohen argued that while institutional involvement doesn't worry him, centralization of Bitcoin mining is an 'existential threat to Bitcoin.' Spreading hash rate throughout the network is hugely important, as a consolidated mining network opens up Bitcoin to events such as a 51% attack. A 51% attack would allow the controlling entity to reverse or censor transactions and monopolizes mining rewards. Even without reaching 51% control, dominant mining pools could pressure other miners into censoring transactions and would possess disproportionate control over network development. Bitcoiners should be excited about the new interest from all arenas, but need to resist consolidation of Bitcoin miners to protect the network from those seeking to manipulate the network. recently signed a letter of intent to acquire Block Green AG, a Switzerland-based Bitcoin liquidity protocol, to form a leading Bitcoin credit infrastructure platform. The merger combines mining expertise with Block Green's innovative financial products, including revenue-streaming, lending, and hedging solutions, enabling miners and investors to access immediate liquidity based on future mining rewards. Backed by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund and others, Block Green's Swiss regulatory license and upcoming EU MiCA applications strengthen the merged entity's market position. The deal, expected to close within 90 days pending approvals, will integrate hashrate portfolio with Block Green's platform, committing significant hashpower to Block Green's marketplace for 24 months, driving new financial metrics products and ecosystem-wide innovation. This strategic combination is unique, as no other entity currently integrates sustainable mining operations with advanced Bitcoin-native financial tools at this scale. MicroStrategy isn't the enemy. Mining monopolies are, warns CEO first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
UK fishermen express anger over deal allowing EU access for 12 years
Furious fishermen have branded Sir Keir Starmer's 'raw deal' to hand EU trawlers access British waters for 12 years an 'absolute disaster'. They said the 12-year agreement allowing European fleets to fish in British waters – following a five-year deal agreed post-Brexit in 2020 - means 'nothing has really happened' to benefit British trawlers despite high hopes after Brexit. And the head of Britain's biggest fishing body told how its members have been left 'deeply disappointed' by what 'looks like' a giveaway of rights with nothing in return. The Prime Minister has denied he was 'stitched up like a kipper by the EU' and insisted the deal would be 'good for fishing'. Speaking at a press conference in London, Sir Keir said the deal would provide 'stability' and help the fishing industry sell more to Europe, which accounts for 70 per cent of fish landed. He denied it would lead to more fish being caught by EU trawlers. But Mike Cohen (pictured), chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said that the ability to negotiate fishing quota annually was 'the best card' Britain had in trying to get a 'fairer division' of rights. He added: 'We had a card in those negotiations with the EU and we have given it to the other side.' Mike Sharpe (pictured), 61, owner of four boats in Brixham, Devon – who has fished since 1980 and owned trawlers since 1988 - called the deal 'useless'. He said: 'It is very predictable (and) was on the cards. It is useless for the country.' Another fisherman at the town's harbour, Mark Bolton, 62, said of the deal: 'Pre Brexit we tried to sort it out that (regaining control of fishing rights) was part of leaving the EU and nothing has really happened. The British fisherman has ended up with the raw deal. Politicians do trade-offs - but realistically they don't listen to what we say and fishing is a niche industry.' Mr Bolton (pictured), a relief mate and skipper of a trawler, called for the industry to be given the power to manage itself, and claimed: 'Every politician that has ever been involved in the fishery ministry really has not protected us at all'. Further along the south coast, Tony Heinemann, 55, of Portland, Dorset, who first began fishing at the age of nine, described the deal – which he likened to 'robbery' - as a 'shocker' and 'the final nail in the coffin'. Mr Heinemann, who spends up to 15 hours a day at sea, has already had to move from Plymouth, Devon, due to regulations on catching pollock. He told the Daily Telegraph: 'Unfortunately the fishermen are the pawns in anything to do with the EU. The EU make a lot of money off catching fish. 'We have fisheries ministers visit and promise the Earth and deliver nothing – it's the same old story. The fishermen give their concerns, but we are only a small pawn.' Of Sir Keir, he added: 'He's not a fisherman and has no interest in the industry.' Mr Heinemann also claimed industry rules were 'two-tier' because while British fishermen obey, their French counterparts did not. He added: 'The longer the EU keep having access to our waters, the longer it's going to take for the fish stocks to start getting abundant. It's only a matter of time before it's time to hang up your wellies as there's not enough fish to sustain a living the whole year.' Some 300 miles north, today's announcement was met with weary resignation in the once world-famous fishing port of Grimsby. Locals say the trawling industry has been all but wiped out in the town, which these days processes fish from Iceland, usually shipped in from Norway. But those who work in the processing industry, buying in imported fish at the fish market it and processing it for sale under the Grimsby brand were stunned by Keir Starmer's move. Patrick Salmon, 61, said: 'I think it's a tragedy that we are selling our only national asset. Boris (Johnson) said we were going to get our fishing grounds back and it's clearly not the case. Our fishing industry is now smaller than the lawn mower industry, which is why the government do not give a toss about it and can trade it away. But it's important for the health of our nation so I think we are missing a trick.' Kevin Gaiger, 64, said: 'It depends on the price the EU are prepared to pay to plunder our waters whether you consider this is a good deal. We have not got the trawlers, the crews or the skippers anymore, so what is the point of having the right to fish in our own grounds? There is no money to invest in new trawlers. We haven't got the crews, which used to run in the local families.' Andrew Kay,47, said: 'It's definitely not good for the industry and there is no turning back from it. The (East Coast) fleet now lands in Scotland. It is mainly Scottish ships with just a couple of English vessels landing fish in the Shetlands and Peterhead. There is nothing left here in Grimsby. 'But the Scottish fleet will be hit. I think there could be clashes between Scottish vessels and French vessels, which I understand has already happened before.' Mr Cohen, the head of Britain's biggest fishing body, representing 500 vessels and several thousand workers, said its members have been left 'deeply disappointed' by what 'looks like' a giveaway of rights to the EU with nothing in return. He said: 'All that potential in having the richest, best fish stocks in Europe and we're still not able to make use of it for British communities. It particularly hampers the potential of inshore small boat fishing fleets – it restricts their ability to go further out to sea (within British waters) where European trawlers are in operation.' Asked if the deal amounted to a 'giveaway with nothing in return', Mr Cohen, of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said: 'It's what it looks like. We're very disappointed.' Mr Cohen revealed he was called at 9am today by Environment Secretary Steve Reed as a 'matter of courtesy' to inform him about the deal. He declined to reveal what was said during the call but told the Daily Mail: 'We signed away fishing rights for five years in 2020. We'd been living with the hope that a better deal could have been done in the run-up to the refresh of the trade and cooperation agreement in 2026.' One of the benefits of leaving the European Union was thought to be the expected boost to British trawlers from the UK having control of fishing rights in its waters. But Mr Cohen said: 'Post-Brexit, nothing has changed (for fishing) so far. This was the point something should have changed but now it isn't going to.' He added: 'You can imagine the sense of disappointment. The EU will continue to have the lion's share of the catch of cod in the Channel and sole in Welsh waters. It makes it more difficult to reach a fairer and more balanced relationship with the EU.' Mr Cohen said the deal was unlikely to mean job losses because 'nothing will change' from the current situation – but he stressed it has 'implications for how we manage our fleets'. And he added there are also potential 'unintended consequences' such as allowing the EU to object to offshore developments such as wind farms in areas where it has fishing rights. Mr Cohen said: 'We had hoped we would move to a system where quotas would be agreed annually, not for 12 years. 'This could be counter-productive for the government. If (the UK) try to licence some activity which will make it more difficult for the EU fishing fleet they are going to object. We could be lining ourselves up for all sorts of circumstances which haven't been thought through.' Mr Cohen, who revealed his organisation has held 'quite a lot of talks with the government', added that the 'veterinary deal' on food safety and welfare standards 'doesn't benefit fishermen' – despite the government stressing it will increase exports. 'Fishermen won't get extra money because the person who bought their catch gets a slight bit extra, he said. The head of Scotland's fishing industry accused the Labour government of a 'shameful betrayal' of fishermen and insisted that the new deal 'is a horror show'. Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, said: 'This deal is a horror show for Scottish fishermen, far worse than Boris Johnson's botched Brexit agreement.' She claimed Sir Keir had 'made the whole deal on the backs of our fishermen and coastal communities… in order secure other objectives', adding: 'This highlights the total indifference of the British political establishment to the interests of our fishing sector.' And James Anderson, the chairman of the Shetland Fishermen's Association, said: 'The fact is that we are sadly not like Iceland, or Norway, or a country that still recognises the value of protecting our own fishing fleet and fishing grounds. Overnight, the EU has been allowed to renege on annual negotiations and instead enjoy a 12 year deal – with UK fishing crews forced to give up their grounds and fish stocks again in exchange for what?' The late-night 'reset' deal was struck with the European Union ahead of today's major summit between Sir Keir Starmer and Brussels chiefs, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa. Scottish Conservative fishing spokesperson Tim Eagle hit out at the fishing agreement – due to last until 2038 - saying: 'This agreement is an absolute disaster for the Scottish fishing industry.' He claimed the Government 'have not just surrendered to the European Union's demands, they have totally capitulated to them'. But Phil Taylor, director of the marine conservation charity Open Seas, said the UK and EU still needed to 'resolve… how this deal will actually deliver' for marine conservation and what conditions will be put on fishing operations. Sir Keir Starmer defended the concession on fishing, as it opened the way for a wide-ranging deal including a security and defence pact and removal of red tape for British farm exports.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Furious fishermen slam 'raw deal' that gives EU trawlers access to UK waters for 12 years - as Starmer denies being 'stitched up like a kipper'
Furious fishermen have branded Sir Keir Starmer 's 'raw deal' to hand EU trawlers access British waters for 12 years an 'absolute disaster'. They said the 12-year agreement allowing European fleets to fish in British waters – following a five-year deal agreed post-Brexit in 2020 - means 'nothing has really happened' to benefit British trawlers despite high hopes after Brexit. And the head of Britain's biggest fishing body told how its members have been left 'deeply disappointed' by what 'looks like' a giveaway of rights with nothing in return. The Prime Minister has denied he was 'stitched up like a kipper by the EU' and insisted the deal would be 'good for fishing'. Speaking at a press conference in London, Sir Keir said the deal would provide 'stability' and help the fishing industry sell more to Europe, which accounts for 70 per cent of fish landed. He denied it would lead to more fish being caught by EU trawlers. But Mike Cohen, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said that the ability to negotiate fishing quota annually was 'the best card' Britain had in trying to get a 'fairer division' of rights. He added: 'We had a card in those negotiations with the EU and we have given it to the other side.' Mike Sharpe, 61, owner of four boats in Brixham, Devon – who has fished since 1980 and owned trawlers since 1988 - called the deal 'useless'. He said: 'It is very predictable (and) was on the cards. It is useless for the country.' Another fisherman at the town's harbour, Mark Bolton, 62, said of the deal: 'Pre Brexit we tried to sort it out that (regaining control of fishing rights) was part of leaving the EU and nothing has really happened. 'The British fisherman has ended up with the raw deal. Politicians do trade-offs - but realistically they don't listen to what we say and fishing is a niche industry.' Mr Bolton, a relief mate and skipper of a trawler, called for the industry to be given the power to manage itself, and claimed: 'Every politician that has ever been involved in the fishery ministry really has not protected us at all'. Further along the south coast, Tony Heinemann, 55, of Portland, Dorset, who first began fishing at the age of nine, described the deal – which he likened to 'robbery' - as a 'shocker' and 'the final nail in the coffin'. Mr Heinemann, who spends up to 15 hours a day at sea, has already had to move from Plymouth, Devon, due to regulations on catching pollock. He told the Daily Telegraph: 'Unfortunately the fishermen are the pawns in anything to do with the EU. The EU make a lot of money off catching fish. 'We have fisheries ministers visit and promise the Earth and deliver nothing – it's the same old story. The fishermen give their concerns, but we are only a small pawn.' Of Sir Keir, he added: 'He's not a fisherman and has no interest in the industry.' Mr Heinemann also claimed industry rules were 'two-tier' because while British fishermen obey, their French counterparts did not. He added: 'The longer the EU keep having access to our waters, the longer it's going to take for the fish stocks to start getting abundant. 'It's only a matter of time before it's time to hang up your wellies as there's not enough fish to sustain a living the whole year.' Some 300 miles north, today's announcement was met with weary resignation in the once world-famous fishing port of Grimsby. Locals say the trawling industry has been all but wiped out in the town, which these days processes fish from Iceland, usually shipped in from Norway. But those who work in the processing industry, buying in imported fish at the fish market it and processing it for sale under the Grimsby brand were stunned by Keir Starmer's move. Patrick Salmon, 61, said: 'I think it's a tragedy that we are selling our only national asset. 'Boris (Johnson) said we were going to get our fishing grounds back and it's clearly not the case. 'Our fishing industry is now smaller than the lawn mower industry, which is why the government do not give a toss about it and can trade it away. 'But it's important for the health of our nation so I think we are missing a trick.' Kevin Gaiger, 64, said: 'It depends on the price the EU are prepared to pay to plunder our waters whether you consider this is a good deal. 'We have not got the trawlers, the crews or the skippers anymore, so what is the point of having the right to fish in our own grounds? 'There is no money to invest in new trawlers. We haven't got the crews, which used to run in the local families.' Andrew Kay,47, said: 'It's definitely not good for the industry and there is no turning back from it. 'The (East Coast) fleet now lands in Scotland. It is mainly Scottish ships with just a couple of English vessels landing fish in the Shetlands and Peterhead. There is nothing left here in Grimsby. 'But the Scottish fleet will be hit. I think there could be clashes between Scottish vessels and French vessels, which I understand has already happened before.' Mr Cohen, the head of Britain's biggest fishing body, representing 500 vessels and several thousand workers, said its members have been left 'deeply disappointed' by what 'looks like' a giveaway of rights to the EU with nothing in return. He said: 'All that potential in having the richest, best fish stocks in Europe and we're still not able to make use of it for British communities. 'It particularly hampers the potential of inshore small boat fishing fleets – it restricts their ability to go further out to sea (within British waters) where European trawlers are in operation.' Asked if the deal amounted to a 'giveaway with nothing in return', Mr Cohen, of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said: 'It's what it looks like. We're very disappointed.' Mr Cohen revealed he was called at 9am today by Environment Secretary Steve Reed as a 'matter of courtesy' to inform him about the deal. He declined to reveal what was said during the call but told the Daily Mail: 'We signed away fishing rights for five years in 2020. We'd been living with the hope that a better deal could have been done in the run-up to the refresh of the trade and cooperation agreement in 2026.' One of the benefits of leaving the European Union was thought to be the expected boost to British trawlers from the UK having control of fishing rights in its waters. But Mr Cohen said: 'Post-Brexit, nothing has changed (for fishing) so far. This was the point something should have changed but now it isn't going to.' He added: 'You can imagine the sense of disappointment. The EU will continue to have the lion's share of the catch of cod in the Channel and sole in Welsh waters. It makes it more difficult to reach a fairer and more balanced relationship with the EU.' Mr Cohen said the deal was unlikely to mean job losses because 'nothing will change' from the current situation – but he stressed it has 'implications for how we manage our fleets'. And he added there are also potential 'unintended consequences' such as allowing the EU to object to offshore developments such as wind farms in areas where it has fishing rights. Mr Cohen said: 'We had hoped we would move to a system where quotas would be agreed annually, not for 12 years. 'This could be counter-productive for the government. If (the UK) try to licence some activity which will make it more difficult for the EU fishing fleet they are going to object. We could be lining ourselves up for all sorts of circumstances which haven't been thought through.' Mr Cohen, who revealed his organisation has held 'quite a lot of talks with the government', added that the 'veterinary deal' on food safety and welfare standards 'doesn't benefit fishermen' – despite the government stressing it will increase exports. 'Fishermen won't get extra money because the person who bought their catch gets a slight bit extra, he said. The head of Scotland's fishing industry accused the Labour government of a 'shameful betrayal' of fishermen and insisted that the new deal 'is a horror show'. Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, said: 'This deal is a horror show for Scottish fishermen, far worse than Boris Johnson's botched Brexit agreement.' She claimed Sir Keir had 'made the whole deal on the backs of our fishermen and coastal communities… in order secure other objectives', adding: 'This highlights the total indifference of the British political establishment to the interests of our fishing sector.' And James Anderson, the chairman of the Shetland Fishermen's Association, said: 'The fact is that we are sadly not like Iceland, or Norway, or a country that still recognises the value of protecting our own fishing fleet and fishing grounds. 'Overnight, the EU has been allowed to renege on annual negotiations and instead enjoy a 12 year deal – with UK fishing crews forced to give up their grounds and fish stocks again in exchange for what?' The late-night 'reset' deal was struck with the European Union ahead of today's major summit between Sir Keir Starmer and Brussels chiefs, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa. Scottish Conservative fishing spokesperson Tim Eagle hit out at the fishing agreement – due to last until 2038 - saying: 'This agreement is an absolute disaster for the Scottish fishing industry.' He claimed the Government 'have not just surrendered to the European Union's demands, they have totally capitulated to them'. But Phil Taylor, director of the marine conservation charity Open Seas, said the UK and EU still needed to 'resolve… how this deal will actually deliver' for marine conservation and what conditions will be put on fishing operations. Sir Keir Starmer defended the concession on fishing, as it opened the way for a wide-ranging deal including a security and defence pact and removal of red tape for British farm exports.
Associated Press
15-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Canadian Bitcoin Miner POW.RE Announces Strategic Acquisition of Swiss Hashrate Brokerage Firm Block Green to Expand Bitcoin Financial Services
MONTREAL and ROTKREUZ, SWITZERLAND - May 14, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - Holdings Limited (' a leading sustainable Bitcoin mining technology company, and Block Green AG ('Block Green'), a Switzerland-based Bitcoin liquidity protocol and financial services platform, today announced they have entered into a letter of intent for to acquire Block Green with a view to execute a definitive agreement. This strategic combination marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Bitcoin mining financial services and infrastructure. Under the terms of the agreement, would acquire 100% of Block Green's shares through an equity swap along with additional consideration in Bitcoin and USD. The complementary strengths of both companies create a uniquely positioned entity in the Bitcoin ecosystem, combining sustainable mining operations and hashrate management technology stack with Block Green's financial products for Bitcoin miners and datacenter operators. 'This strategic combination would represent a transformative step forward in our mission to build a comprehensive Bitcoin credit infrastructure platform,' said Mike Cohen, CEO of 'Block Green's innovative financial solutions and regulatory framework align perfectly with our vision to expand beyond traditional Bitcoin mining operations. Together, we'll create new revenue streams while offering miners and investors access to sophisticated financial tools built on Bitcoin and powered by hashrate.' Block Green, backed by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, Coinbase Ventures, and FJ Labs, has established itself as a pioneer in Bitcoin-native financial services. The company provides revenue-streaming products, lending, and hedging solutions for Bitcoin miners and data center operators, enabling them to access immediate liquidity based on future mining rewards. 'Joining forces with allows us to scale our financial products across a larger hashrate portfolio and market presence,' said Sebastien Hess, CEO of Block Green. 'Our combined regulatory frameworks, technological capabilities, and market access create a uniquely positioned entity that can offer truly innovative financial solutions to the entire Bitcoin ecosystem.' The transaction is expected to create significant operational and financial synergies: Following the transaction, will commit a baseload of hashpower to be flexibly deployed on Block Green's hashrate marketplace for at least 24 months, accelerating the platform's growth. The Block Green team will remain with the company to ensure strategic continuity and drive future innovation. Sebastien Hess will be appointed to board of directors, his entrepreneurial experience and his background in finance and technology will be a valuable addition to the combined entity's governance. The parties expect to reach a definitive agreement within 90 days, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. About is a sustainable Bitcoin mining company operating facilities powered by hydroelectric energy in Paraguay and Northern Canada. The company focuses on deploying high-density computation centers and offering tools to facilitate hashrate transactions. About Block Green Block Green is a Switzerland-based Bitcoin liquidity protocol offering innovative financial solutions for the data center industry. The company's platform enables Bitcoin miners and high-performance computing operators to access immediate liquidity through revenue-streaming products, lending, and hedging solutions. Block Green is regulated as a financial intermediary under Swiss law and backed by leading investors including Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, Coinbase Ventures, and FJ Labs. Media Contacts: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties.
Channel 4
14-05-2025
- Business
- Channel 4
Can a Brexit trade deal keep British fishing afloat?
Every year more than three hundred tonnes of crustaceans are landed in Bridlington, earning its nickname as the 'lobster capital of Europe'. And Europe is able to capitalise on it. A Brexit trade deal means EU boats can fish in UK waters, but only until June 2026. Many politicians in Brussels are anxious about extending access beyond next summer, with any agreement being linked to the defence and security deal Sir Keir Starmer is seeking ahead of the UK-EU summit in London. The British fishing industry has long felt betrayed by post-Brexit promises and now fears rights are going to be given away again. Mike Cohen is chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations. He wants a better deal for the industry he represents. 'The EU has already opened the door to that revision,' he says. 'They've already said they don't like the term that was agreed in 2020 that said after this first five-year period they'll have to negotiate every year to get access to British waters. They want to change that to a long-term deal on access. If that's contemplated by our government then I want them to get something in return. That's a really valuable thing and valuable things have to be paid for.' Across the North Sea though, the view is different. Representatives of multiple EU member states say they've seen the productivity of their fishing sectors decrease after Brexit. They include France, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands. Bert-Jan Ruissen is a Dutch MEP. 'It's very clear that our fishermen already paid a very high price for Brexit because they lost already 25 per cent of their quota, that's a very high price so from our perspective it is clear that further restrictions cannot be accepted by the EU,' he says. The UK government said: 'No final agreement has been made. We are not providing a running commentary on our discussions with the EU, these are ongoing and cover a wide range of issues. 'We have been clear that we will always act in the national interest to secure the best outcomes for the UK.' 'David v Goliath': Yorkshire fishing club takes on river polluters Yorkshire fishing club wins government court battle over sewage How Brexit is boosting Britain's Puffin population
