The Scottish Conservatives have demanded more parliamentary focus on fishing after securing the first key industry debate in Holyrood for almost three years.
Led by fishing spokesman and Buckie-based MSP Tim Eagle, the party has secured a Scottish Government-led debate on the issue, which he says is a key milestone in safeguarding the future of the industry.
The debate forces the SNP to bring forward their plans for the sector, offering the opportunity for opposition parties to question them on issues including UK-EU-Norway negotiations, the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), the threat of offshore wind and their National Marine Plan, including the prospect of HPMAs returning under a different guise.
It comes after John Swinney was warned by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation in October that SNP plans for giant floating offshore wind farms threaten to destroy the nation’s fishing industry.
Last month, the First Minister said “the EU is the answer”, stating it was his mission to rejoin the union, and with it, the common fisheries policy.
Buckie-based Scottish Conservative fishing spokesman, Tim Eagle MSP, said: “I’m delighted that the Scottish Conservatives have now secured a key parliamentary debate on fishing.
“At a time of heightened concern for the industry ahead of the EU-UK fisheries deal expiring next year, the industry must be at the forefront of any Scottish Parliament discussion.
“This debate will provide us with the opportunity to hold the SNP to account over their future plans for the sector, including the growing threat of spatial squeeze under their government.
“We have taken back control of our waters post-Brexit and the Scottish Conservatives will continue to back our fishing sector to feed the nation, build long-term sustainability, and grow coastal businesses.
“But the SNP would gladly sacrifice this by taking us back into the hated common fisheries policy.
“While the commitment has been given, no date has been set for the debate but we will push for this to be given in the very near future, given the importance of this to the industry.
“Having these debates will ensure the voices of the fishing industry are better heard in the Scottish Parliament.”
