Scottish fishing industry backing by PM welcomed by north-east MP Seamus Logan
A north-east MP has secured a firm commitment from the Prime Minister to support the Scottish fisheries sector.
In a question to Keir Starmer MP at Prime Minister’s Questions, Aberdeenshire North and Moray East MP Seamus Logan raised the vital contribution of the Scottish fishing industry in terms of volume and value to the UK.
Mr Logan highlighted the importance of protecting its interests and future as the UK government pursue economic growth and a reset in relations with the European Union to which the Prime Minister responded positively in agreement.
He said: “Championing the incredible contribution made to the Scottish and UK economies from the Scottish fishing industry, not least in terms of the large share of this industry in landed catch and processing work in the port towns of Peterhead and Fraserburgh in my constituency, is of immense importance to me as both the local MP and as the SNP’s Westminster Spokesperson for Fishing, Agriculture and the Environment.
“I was pleased to hear that the Prime Minister was both receptive and open to my concerns on the forthcoming renegotiation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement as the fisheries chapter draws to a close in 2026, and as the UK government aims to reset relations with the European Union.
“I believe that safeguarding the jobs of people that work so hard in this sector as well as their future prospects must not be conditional on securing deals in other sectors when the agreement finishes.
“It seems the Prime Minister agrees with this assessment in his recognition of ‘the huge and historic importance of the fishing industry in my (his) constituency and others’ and in his determination ‘to make the sector more secure, sustainable and economically successful’.
“He also raised the problems with labour shortages which he knows I have already highlighted on numerous occasions in Parliament and vowed to “do everything we can in relation” to these issues.
“Perhaps Mr Starmer might spare some time to visit the north-east in the future and try a delicious fish supper, caught, processed and cooked locally, to see for himself the vital contribution to our food security, our economy and our coastal community heritage made by Scotland’s fishing industry.”
