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Richard Lochhead

Moray SNP News

UK GOVERNMENT CAN’T GUARANTEE FISHING FUNDING UNDER BREXIT - ROBERTSON

19/09/2016

Moray’s MP Angus Robertson says the response by the new Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union to SNP questioning has failed to provide any funding commitments to Scotland’s fishing communities.

The SNP pressed the UK Government to commit to match the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund funding that helps to support local fishing communities now jeopardised by Brexit, just as they have pledged to match the EU support to the agricultural sector until 2020.

The funding is of significant importance to fishing communities like Buckie

Local MP Angus Robertson said:

“Scottish fishing communities were due to receive £107 million Euros of investment from the EMFF between now and 2023, supporting improvements in infrastructure and supporting hundreds of local jobs in our catching and processing sectors, and the wider supply chain.  The future of that investment is jeopardised by Brexit.

“The UK Government has failed to make any commitment to our fishing communities by matching EMFF funding in the current round. This is completely at odds with their position on farming and is a matter of real concern.

“Last year Scotland exported fish and seafood worth £438 million to the EU, almost 80% of our seafood exports. With boats sailing out of Buckie and significant processing jobs in the town it will be critical to our local exporters that we maintain access to the EU market. I am continuing to press the Prime Minister on her position on access to the Single European Market and she has categorically failed to address that major issue.

"Nearly 3 months on, the lack of detail on the how, what and when of Brexit is deeply worrying. The SNP will continue to press the UK Government to honour EMFF funding commitments to Scotland, and press for urgent clarity for local seafood exporters.”

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