The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, negotiated by the Tories, has had a significant impact on the UK fishing industry.
As the dust begins to settle after Brexit, the true extent of the effects on the fishing industry is becoming increasingly clear.
One of the key issues surrounding the UK’s departure from the EU was access to fishing waters. The UK government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, promised to take back control of its waters and give greater access to UK fishermen.
However, the Brexit deal negotiated by the Tories has been criticised by some in the fishing industry for not going far enough.
Under the deal, the UK will gradually take back control of its waters over a five-and-a-half-year period. Until then, EU boats will still have access to UK waters.
This has led to frustration and disappointment among some UK fishermen, who feel that the deal has not delivered the promised benefits. Many have pointed out that the deal does not give UK fishermen exclusive access to their own waters and that the EU will still have a significant presence in UK waters for years to come.
In addition to access to fishing waters, the Brexit deal has also introduced new regulations and paperwork for UK fishermen. This has led to delays at ports and increased costs, making it more difficult for UK fishermen to export their catch to the EU.
Recent statistics show that the effects of the Brexit deal on the UK fishing industry have been significant. In January 2021, overall fish exports fell by 47% compared to the same period in 2020. Exports to the EU fell by 83%, with the value of the fish landed in the UK dropping by 29%.
Despite these challenges, some in the industry remain optimistic about the future. The UK government has pledged to support the industry through this transition, with a £23 million fund to help fishermen deal with the new regulations and infrastructure improvements to UK ports to reduce delays.
In conclusion, the Brexit deal negotiated by the Tories has had a significant impact on the UK fishing industry. While the deal promised to deliver greater benefits for UK fishermen, many in the industry feel that it has not gone far enough. With access to fishing waters and new regulations and paperwork, the industry is facing significant challenges as it adapts to life outside the EU.
