Brexit row erupts as minister admits EU ‘pushing very arduous’ with fishi | Politics | News | EUROtoday

A minister has admitted that fishing rights for European boats will probably be up for dialogue throughout Labour’s negotiations to “reset” relations with the EU. Farming and fisheries minister Daniel Zeichner stated that EU international locations have been “clearly pushing very hard” for larger entry to UK waters following Britain’s exit from the Bloc.

The EU has demanded entry to the UK’s waters in return for a brand new defence cooperation plan. Mr Zeichner was requested in regards to the transfer throughout a debate in Parliament on Wednesday. He stated: “Clearly there is a negotiation going on by proxy, if not directly, at the moment, so I will not comment on the individual points that have been made other than to reflect that we are determined to get the best possible outcome for our nation.

“The Government are absolutely committed to a reset with the European Union, but I assure the House of my determination that we get a good outcome for the fisheries sector.”

His feedback are the primary admission by the Government that fishing rights will probably be up for dialogue as a part of the broader reset of relations.

However, MPs warned that fishing shouldn’t be used as a “bargaining chip” with the EU.

Tory MP Dr Neil Hudson stated: “Our dedicated fishing industry does so much for our nation and food security, doing work that is often dangerous and they are true unsung heroes. The previous Government began the work of using our power as a sovereign coastal state to secure quotas with the EU through the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.”

“With a critical juncture close on the horizon with negotiations for fishing quotas after June 2026, it is crucial the Government builds on this progress with a proper plan to ensure our fishing industry gets the fair access to water and fish they rightly deserve. UK fishing must not be used as a bargaining chip by this Labour Government in their negotiations with Europe.”

The earlier Conservative Government secured the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which offered a transitory framework for fishing quotas for UK fishermen and girls in EU waters till June 2026.

After this date, negotiations between the European Union should happen every year to safe future quotas.