Western Isles MSP condems abandonment of historical fishing rights

“Adapt to climate change”

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today condemned the preparations currently underway by the UK Government, supported by the Conservatives, to abandon the principle whereby fishing rights are allocated to countries on the basis of historical precedent.

In a UK government briefing sent to all Members of the European Parliament it is claimed that traditional rights to fishing communities “stifles innovative
business and the ability to adapt to climate change”.

“Scotland’s traditional rights”

Alasdair Allan commented:

“We have the opportunity under the currently ongoing review of European fisheries policy to finally make the long overdue move away from the centralised structures of the CFP and return powers to Europe’s fishing nations.

“The UK Labour Government in London, however, seems intent on abandoning Scotland’s traditional rights and doing away with the current link between individual fishing nations and the waters and stocks they are allowed to fish. This is one final act of betrayal towards fishing communities in the Western Isles and Scotland.

“Labour claim that respect for historic rights ‘stifles innovation’
- this is at the same time as the Scottish fleet is at the forefront of promoting sustainable fishing practices. The UK Labour Government should be ashamed of this blatant campaign against Scotland’s fishermen. Instead of returning powers to Scotland they are giving rights away.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles