Fishermen will demonstrate at the Fisheries Ministry in London to highlight the lack of Government support on fuel prices.
The demonstration will be held at the DEFRA headquarters in Smith Square, London, on Tuesday 3rd June 2008 from 8.00 am.
Please advise the NFFO office or your local port representative of your intention to attend.
The demonstration is timed to coincide with a meeting of fishing industry representatives and UK fisheries ministers to discuss the fuel issue.
The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations and the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation have joined forces to impress on the ministers the urgency of providing short-term, temporary, aid.
“Fish is sold through the auction system, this makes fishing uniquely vulnerable to rising fuel prices. This is why fishing needs support to survive as higher costs cannot simply be passed on to the consumer,” said Barrie Deas, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations.
“It is a matter of the utmost urgency that ministers put together a survival package for the fishing industry.”
“We know that the industry must adjust to the new era of high fuel costs but this must be achieved by an orderly transition; otherwise the fallout in terms of businesses, lives and communities will be horrendous.”
“We are calling on the ministers to provide the de minimis support that is being made available in other member states, like Spain and France, along with other short term relief measures.”
“The Federations are eager to begin discussions with government on a rescue and restructuring plan for the industry but are insistent on the need for immediate support to safeguard the future of the industry.”
