Latest news with #ScottishFishermen'sFederation
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
EU agreement welcomed by Livingston MP and Salmon Scotland as Scottish Government is shut out
The Scottish Fishermen's Federation has described the deal as a 'horror show' Livingston's MP welcomed the announcement of the new agreement between the UK and the European Union. Gregor Poynton MP pointed to 'broad support' from Scottish business for the deal which he says will bring significant benefits to industries north of the border. However, he took a dig at Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, who was critical of EU fishing rights in Scottish waters saying the industry had been 'surrendered away'. The chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation described the deal as a 'horror show' but Gregor Poynton has highlighted supported for it from Salmon Scotland, the UK's biggest food exporter. In a direct exchange with Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a parliamentary statement on the UK-EU Summit, Gregor Poynton asked the PM: 'When it comes to evaluating the merits of the deal, who would the Prime Minister suggest my Livingston constituents listen to? 'Should it be the Scottish Chamber of Commerce, the NFU Scotland or Scottish Salmon, all who have welcomed the deal? Or should they listen to John Swinney, who's lining up the Leader of the Opposition and the Member for Clacton [Nigel Farage] at a desperate, misguided attempt to try and create a constitutional grievance, a deal for which the Deputy First Minister has called 'important progress'?' In response, the Prime Minister said he was 'surprised' to see Scotland's First Minister's opposition to the deal. The new agreement with the European Union follows extensive negotiations over the past six months. It includes a significant agreement that should make it easier for Scottish food and drink businesses to export products to EU markets by reducing red tape and bureaucracy that had placed burdens on businesses since Brexit. Scottish Salmon witnessed a £75 million drop in exports to the EU from 2019 to 2023 due to increased red tape. Scottish seed potato farmers, who have been banned from selling their products in Europe since 2021, will also regain access to crucial EU markets. According to the Labour government the agreement is set to benefit key Scottish industries including energy, agrifood, and defence sectors, which form a proportionally larger part of Scotland's economy compared to the UK as a whole. In the energy sector, it's claimed the deal will make it cheaper and easier to sell electricity to the EU, potentially accelerating investment in offshore wind in the North Sea, creating jobs and cutting costs. Scotland's External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson welcomed the closer co-operation between the UK and the EU and positive aspects of the agreement but labelled the decision not to involve the Scottish Government in any negotiations 'an affront to devolution'. He said: 'The Scottish Government welcomes the agreement as it represents long-overdue momentum in rebuilding our relationship with the European Union. But no agreement can deliver the economic, social and security benefits we lost with Brexit in 2020. 'We argued for an ambitious package in the interests of people and businesses across Scotland, and there are some positive indicators here, including the agriculture, food and drink agreement which will reduce market barriers; and enhanced cooperation on energy and climate, and a clear intention to rejoin the Erasmus exchange programme. 'The fact that this agreement – not least on fisheries – was reached without the explicit engagement of the devolved governments on the negotiation detail is not just an affront to devolution, it has put at risk, and will continue to put at risk, the benefits of any commitments for the people of Scotland.' He added: 'We still believe Scotland's best future lies as an independent country within the European Union but we will engage constructively and positively in the next phase of negotiations. We also hope to see the UK Government work collaboratively with devolved governments in developing its priorities – as the EU does with its Member States.'
The National
21-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Ian Murray is far too easily pleased with pathetic UK/EU trade deal
The Viceroy is easily pleased. The deal is pathetic. He says it could add £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040. That's just 0.00035% of the UK's £2.56 trillion GDP, while Brexit has slashed 5%. This won't help Scotland. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation slammed the deal. It gives EU fishing vessels access to UK waters until 2038. Kate Forbes complained Scotland wasn't consulted – fisheries are devolved – but power devolved is power retained. READ MORE: UK inflation climbs to highest level in 15 months after 'Awful April' Murray claims the deal 'opens the door for the UK to participate in a €150 billion loans-for-arms fund … with huge potential benefits for the Scottish defence industry.' Wrong. New defence contracts will funnel money to private corporations based in the US and Europe. Share prices are soaring at the prospect. And there's not much bang for the buck. Every pound spent on defence generates less than £1 of economic activity. Since Starmer says he won't return the UK to the EU, why wouldn't he consider re-joining the European Free Trade Association (Efta), established to promote economic cooperation and free trade? The UK was a founding member before leaving in 1973 to join the European Economic Community that became the EU. Efta membership provides full access to the EU's internal market plus: • It excludes agricultural and fisheries policies, has no customs union, common trade, foreign or security policy, harmonised taxation or monetary union. • All members take part in Schengen (freedom of movement) through bilateral agreements. • It negotiates free trade agreements and has 33 with 44 countries and territories outside the EU, and members can make their own deals with countries whereas EU members can't negotiate with non-EU countries. • Members avoid the EU political integration and cumbersome decision-making process. Efta may not allow the UK back in, but could view an independent Scotland more favourably. Scotland would need to leave the UK for either Efta or EU membership. If the Scottish administration was serious about helping Scotland, it would be furiously working on an exit plan. Leah Gunn Barrett Edinburgh I WRITE as a former British Sea Fisheries Officer in what was then the Scottish Office. I served in all ranks from Second Officer to Marine Superintendent and have maintained my interest since I retired. The fishing industry in a UK context is a minor consideration; in a Scottish context, it is vital. To the English government – and I use the term English advisedly, for it is elected by the English and acts for England, which forms 85% of our regrettably United Kingdom – Scotland has few votes and thus can be safely ignored. Scotland is vital to the UK economy because its five million people live on something like 30% of this island's natural resources. One of these resources is fish. Something around 75% of British fishing is Scottish. READ MORE: Kate Forbes hits back at claim she called EU deal 'wonderful' at London event In this current EU agreement, Scottish fishing was given away like a pound of tea, as it was in the original British accession to the common market. We Scots have good reason to be very angry and to get out from under the clammy embrace of Westminster. I am fully aware that an independent Scotland would have negotiated access to our waters for foreign vessels, but it would not be some Downing Street minister who would be doing the negotiation. It could be that our fishing may be a reason for not joining the EU but associating with it in a different way as some other countries do, but that is a matter for economists, not for me. Captain R Mill Irving Gifford, East Lothian A RATHER interesting point made by the PM Sir Keir Starmer when he announced the trade deal with the EU: 'Britain is back on the world stage'! Mr Starmer, Scotland never left the world stage, Scotland was dragged out of it! Scotland fully recognised the need to remain in the single market and the customs union, yet we were dragged away from our largest and closest trading partners. READ MORE: SNP MP calls out Keir Starmer on weapon exports to Israeli government I very much welcome a closer relationship with the EU, as it will benefit our export businesses. So, what will this new trade deal with the EU bring to Scotland? Well, Scotland and her government at Holyrood had no prior notice because Scotland was not invited to the EU trade deal negotiations, despite the PM on taking office promising to 'reset devolution'. A clear example once again from the Labour government at Westminster that Scotland is an afterthought and deserves no voice. The Scottish fishing industry is furious with the EU trade deal, because the EU will now have unlimited access to Scottish waters for the next 12 years. Furious is an understatement. The PM and his Labour government in the last ten days have shown their total disrespect for our devolved nation and government and her people. Closing the door to much-needed immigration without any negotiations with our government in Holyrood and now EU trade deals again with no input from Scotland. Scotland's public and private sector deserve a voice, we deserve to be heard. We simply cannot continue not being seen or heard, while having to endure the damaging impact. Catriona C Clark Falkirk HAVE any other readers noticed that M&S are advertising on their Scottish milk that the milk comes from animals assured by the RSPCA? Given that the RSPCA only operates in England and Wales, and the Scottish SPCA operate in Scotland, does this mean that M&S's Scottish milk is coming from England and Wales? Or does it mean that M&S are unaware that the RSPCA does not operate in Scotland? Either way it is a very poor piece of marketing that shows a lack of understanding of Scotland! Peter Clark via email
Leader Live
20-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
EU deal gives '12 years of certainty' to Scottish fishermen, says Murray
The agreement – announced on Monday in London – was hailed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as a 'win-win' for both the UK and the bloc, and will create a 'youth experience scheme' for young Britons to study and live in Europe, along with improving trade and allowing British travellers to use passport e-gates on the continent. But British fishermen have hit out at the deal, which allows a further 12 years of access to UK waters for boats from the EU, with the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) describing it as a 'horror show'. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Tuesday, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'I don't agree with that. 'It gives 12 years of certainty and stability for the industry, it doesn't change any of the deal that was put in place in 2019, which is 25% more quotas for UK and Scottish trawlers and it gives wide access, of course to the new markets of the EU, in terms of pushing away all that red tape that was there before. 'Not one more fish will be taken out of Scottish waters by an EU trawler as part of this deal and that provides that stability and certainty.' The description of the deal as 'dreadful', the minister said, 'just doesn't pass water'. He added: 'I've been in business before and I would prefer 12 years of stability and security and certainty than an annual renegotiation that you may or may not win.' The deal has also angered the Scottish Government, which said it had not been consulted on the fishing aspect of it despite the issue being devolved. The UK Government asserts the agreement related to international trade, which is reserved to Westminster. Mr Murray rejected the Scottish Government claims, saying: 'The Scottish Government has been fully informed all the way through this process. 'The Paymaster General who's been doing the negotiations has kept them fully informed, there was an inter-ministerial grouping last week, two weeks ago there was a full briefing, and they were kept up to date as the negotiations were running through.' The Scottish Government, Mr Murray added, 'have tied themselves in knots to set themselves against this deal', but he described it as 'good for consumers, it's good for business and it's good for Scotland's economy'. Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said the last three inter-ministerial groups which would have discussed fishing were cancelled, adding engagement with the devolved administration was not about consulting on the deal, but informing them of progress. 'There were meetings with Nick Thomas-Symonds who gave a read out, 'here's where we have got to', not 'what do you think about things? Do you agree to things? Would you seek changes to things?'' he said. The minister – who praised some aspects of the deal and the benefits it could have to Scotland – added the first the Scottish Government heard about the fisheries deal lasting for 12 years was when it was announced.
Powys County Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
EU deal gives '12 years of certainty' to Scottish fishermen, says Murray
The deal between the UK and EU provides '12 years of certainty and stability' for fishermen, the Scottish Secretary has said. The agreement – announced on Monday in London – was hailed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as a 'win-win' for both the UK and the bloc, and will create a 'youth experience scheme' for young Britons to study and live in Europe, along with improving trade and allowing British travellers to use passport e-gates on the continent. But British fishermen have hit out at the deal, which allows a further 12 years of access to UK waters for boats from the EU, with the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) describing it as a 'horror show'. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Tuesday, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'I don't agree with that. 'It gives 12 years of certainty and stability for the industry, it doesn't change any of the deal that was put in place in 2019, which is 25% more quotas for UK and Scottish trawlers and it gives wide access, of course to the new markets of the EU, in terms of pushing away all that red tape that was there before. 'Not one more fish will be taken out of Scottish waters by an EU trawler as part of this deal and that provides that stability and certainty.' The description of the deal as 'dreadful', the minister said, 'just doesn't pass water'. He added: 'I've been in business before and I would prefer 12 years of stability and security and certainty than an annual renegotiation that you may or may not win.' The deal has also angered the Scottish Government, which said it had not been consulted on the fishing aspect of it despite the issue being devolved. The UK Government asserts the agreement related to international trade, which is reserved to Westminster. Mr Murray rejected the Scottish Government claims, saying: 'The Scottish Government has been fully informed all the way through this process. 'The Paymaster General who's been doing the negotiations has kept them fully informed, there was an inter-ministerial grouping last week, two weeks ago there was a full briefing, and they were kept up to date as the negotiations were running through.' The Scottish Government, Mr Murray added, 'have tied themselves in knots to set themselves against this deal', but he described it as 'good for consumers, it's good for business and it's good for Scotland's economy'. Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said the last three inter-ministerial groups which would have discussed fishing were cancelled, adding engagement with the devolved administration was not about consulting on the deal, but informing them of progress. 'There were meetings with Nick Thomas-Symonds who gave a read out, 'here's where we have got to', not 'what do you think about things? Do you agree to things? Would you seek changes to things?'' he said. The minister – who praised some aspects of the deal and the benefits it could have to Scotland – added the first the Scottish Government heard about the fisheries deal lasting for 12 years was when it was announced.
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
EU deal gives '12 years of certainty' to Scottish fishermen, says Murray
The agreement – announced on Monday in London – was hailed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as a 'win-win' for both the UK and the bloc, and will create a 'youth experience scheme' for young Britons to study and live in Europe, along with improving trade and allowing British travellers to use passport e-gates on the continent. But British fishermen have hit out at the deal, which allows a further 12 years of access to UK waters for boats from the EU, with the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) describing it as a 'horror show'. The Prime Minister met with EU leaders on Monday (Hannah McKay/PA) Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland on Tuesday, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'I don't agree with that. 'It gives 12 years of certainty and stability for the industry, it doesn't change any of the deal that was put in place in 2019, which is 25% more quotas for UK and Scottish trawlers and it gives wide access, of course to the new markets of the EU, in terms of pushing away all that red tape that was there before. 'Not one more fish will be taken out of Scottish waters by an EU trawler as part of this deal and that provides that stability and certainty.' The description of the deal as 'dreadful', the minister said, 'just doesn't pass water'. He added: 'I've been in business before and I would prefer 12 years of stability and security and certainty than an annual renegotiation that you may or may not win.' The Scottish Government has been fully informed all the way through this process Ian Murray The deal has also angered the Scottish Government, which said it had not been consulted on the fishing aspect of it despite the issue being devolved. The UK Government asserts the agreement related to international trade, which is reserved to Westminster. Mr Murray rejected the Scottish Government claims, saying: 'The Scottish Government has been fully informed all the way through this process. 'The Paymaster General who's been doing the negotiations has kept them fully informed, there was an inter-ministerial grouping last week, two weeks ago there was a full briefing, and they were kept up to date as the negotiations were running through.' The Scottish Government, Mr Murray added, 'have tied themselves in knots to set themselves against this deal', but he described it as 'good for consumers, it's good for business and it's good for Scotland's economy'. Scottish External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said the last three inter-ministerial groups which would have discussed fishing were cancelled, adding engagement with the devolved administration was not about consulting on the deal, but informing them of progress. 'There were meetings with Nick Thomas-Symonds who gave a read out, 'here's where we have got to', not 'what do you think about things? Do you agree to things? Would you seek changes to things?'' he said. The minister – who praised some aspects of the deal and the benefits it could have to Scotland – added the first the Scottish Government heard about the fisheries deal lasting for 12 years was when it was announced.
