The European Fisheries Alliance (EUFA) has taken note of yesterday’s vote in the House of Commons and states that while a managed exit and a mutually beneficial fisheries and trade agreement remain EUFA’s objective, the vote is a backwards step, although not an unexpected one – and the ensuing political uncertainty are of concern to the European fishing industry.
According to EUFA, while the vote brings a hard Brexit into sharp focus, it still sees that there is a majority in the UK Parliament against a no-deal situation and EUFA therefore calls on all parties to avoid such a scenario.
‘Despite UK Parliament’s clear rejection of the Brexit agreement proposed by PM Theresa May we believe strongly in a negotiated deal between the UK and EU-27 that fully reflects the fisheries elements in both the withdrawal agreement and the political declaration,’ said EUFA Chairman Gerard van Balsfoort.
‘We stand ready to do our part and to contribute to such a negotiated deal. The relationship with our UK colleagues has always been grounded in reciprocity, understanding and reasoned discussion and we are confident that this will continue after Brexit.’
He commented that fish, by its nature is a shared, finite and fragile natural resource.
‘We are convinced that our British colleagues, as well as the UK and EU leaders share our aim to preserve sustainable fish stocks and the long-term viability of the industry as a whole. Many local communities across the UK and EU are highly dependent on fisheries and securing their future should be the shared goals of decision makers on both sides of the negotiation table.’
EUFA’s chairman added that a no-deal situation will have grave effects on the seafood industry in both the United Kingdom and the European Union. The European Fisheries Alliance is asking the European Commission and the Member States to prepare adequately for all scenarios, including putting a suite of mitigation measures in place in the event of a hard Brexit, aimed at protecting fleets, fishing communities and the value chain.
He commented further that EUFA hopes that following the rejection of the Brexit deal by the UK Parliament both sides are able and willing to turn their attention to developing and agreeing on a future and comprehensive bilateral fisheries and trade agreement on the basis of the agreement reached between EU and UK negotiators in November 2018.
‘A mutually beneficial trade and fisheries agreement in the context of the overall economic partnership between the EU and the UK remains our key outcome,’ Gerard van Balsfoort said.
‘However, in light of the grave consequences of a no-deal exit of the UK we call upon the European Commission and the Member States to prepare mitigating measures to protect EU fishermen and their communities.’
