The British government has set up a new all-party parliamentary group on fisheries to “promote and support a sustainable and thriving UK fishing industry”.
The all-party group held its first meeting in London last week to elect officers and map out a cross-party work programme.
It comprises 23 members across both Houses of Parliament. The well-attended first meeting heard MPs and peers discuss key issues and priorities surrounding UK fisheries – from recruitment and the development of offshore renewable energy to upcoming fisheries negotiations.
They also discussed the fast-approaching 2026 review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
Officers with strong fishing interests within their constituencies were elected, with Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland as chair of the group, alongside Labour’s Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes as co-chair.
Recognising the “geographically and operationally diverse nature of the UK’s fleets”, the group members noted the need to ensure representation of the full spectrum of the fishing industry, its various fleet segments and related sectors – from the pelagic, whitefish and inshore fleets to onshore processing, marketing and retail.
Several actions were agreed and will be brought forward over the coming months, in support of charting a strategic course for the industry within Britain Parliament.
Alistair Carmichael said he was “delighted to take on the role of chair of the all-party parliamentary group on fisheries”.
Between issues surrounding space at sea, the ongoing co-development of Fisheries Management Plans and upcoming negotiations that will shape the future of the UK’s fishing industry and fleets, this is a critical moment for fishing in the UK with both challenges and opportunities,”he said.
“With a new government in place there is a chance to reset the narrative and secure useful policy changes for coastal and island communities.”
Co-Chair Melanie Onn added that “the UK’s fishing industry is diverse, and is crucial to many coastal economies”.
“Supporting livelihoods onshore as well as at sea, the processing industry and associated sectors downstream are a vital piece of this picture,”she said.
“With adequate support, including across each of its related sectors, the UK’s fishing industry holds potential in terms of livelihoods, regeneration, and resilience within coastal communities. More than that, the industry has the potential to play a vital role in supporting the nation’s food security and economy,”she said.
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