Colin Breed Calls on Government to Support Fishing Industry

3.05.59pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 3rd Jun 2008

Left High and Dry by Lack of Government Support

Colin Breed has today called upon the Government to implement a support package for our fishermen similar to that agreed between the European Union and France. Whilst under normal circumstances operating aid for the fisheries sector contravenes EU rules, the recent fuel price increases have put our fishing industry in jeopardy.

Mr Breed has written to Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs demanding that our fishermen be supported with the same financial package as French fishermen. This package includes emergency aid for the next six months, the establishment of environmental constraints and direct financial support to those leaving the industry. The French financial package amounts to over £250 million and has been approved by the European Union.

Commenting, Colin Breed said that "our fishermen have been badly hit by fuel prices and are now at a competitive disadvantage to both France and Spain (see previous story on Spanish subsidies). Our Government must recognise the potential effect on the fishing industry and act immediately."