The following article appeared in the industry’s weekly trade newspaper, Fishing News, on 24 Apr 2025, written by its Editor.
Launch comes as French continue to insist that defence and fisheries be linked
By Andy Read, Editor, Fishing News
THE NEW UK FISHERIES CAMPAIGN, which looks to have inherited the mantle of Save Britain’s Fish, Fishing for Leave, and Fishing Forward, was launched last week and has gained considerable traction on GB News and in the Daily Express.
The campaign, say organisers, is primarily aimed at ensuring that the renegotiation of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), due to be completed in 13 months’ time, finally delivers the deal for the fishing industry promised by multiple politicians in the lead-up to the Brexit vote, and up until the signature of the TCA three years later.
A dedicated website has been set up at: ukfish.org
Scottish MSP Tim Eagle has been quick to endorse the campaign, saying: “I am delighted to see the launch of the UK Fisheries Campaign and am pleased to announce my full support. Fishermen are deeply concerned about what is continuing to happen in our waters, and serious questions must be answered.
“I increasingly believe we need a full investigation so we can be reassured that our vital fishermen are operating on a level playing field. It is crucial we continue to shine a light on what fishing means for the United Kingdom and how we ensure post-EU exit that our fishermen are allowed to succeed.”
Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland and the influential chair of parliament’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, has added his voice, telling FN: “I will work with anyone who cares about the fishing industry and the importance that it has for our coastal and island communities.
“The upcoming review of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement with the EU is probably the most important opportunity we will have in this decade to improve fisheries management. Political division in this country can only harm our negotiating position with the EU. Our best chance will come from speaking with a single voice.”
The launch of the new campaign came as French politicians continued to insist that access to UK waters be a precondition to including the UK in a defence agreement – set to be the main focus of talks when prime minister Keir Starmer welcomes EU leaders to London for a summit on 19 May.
“A very large majority of member states are in favour of signing this [defence] partnership during the summit,” one diplomatic source was quoted as saying. “France’s position is more tied to its own issues.”
The French, however, appear determined to insist on a ‘package’ deal, linking defence, migration and fishing, with the French president eyeing forthcoming elections in 2026 where fishing may have a higher profile than it manages in the UK.
“I don’t see France changing its tune. [It’s] very frustrating,” said an EU diplomat quoted by AFP.
Article copyright Fishing News 2025