“Bigger fish to fry” – Carmichael warns against suggestions of fisheries block on European defence pact

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today warned against suggestions that a UK-EU defence and security agreement could be blocked in order to force concessions on UK fishing rights. Speaking during a debate on the impact of fishing quota negotiations on the UK fishing fleet, led by fellow Liberal Democrat MP Andrew George, Mr Carmichael noted that “fishery quota negotiations are difficult and nuanced at the best of times” and called for better treatment of both the fishing industry and national security concerns.

In an interview with POLITICO this week, Jessica Rosencrantz, Sweden’s EU affairs minister, said that EU member governments were unlikely to sign off on a security deal with the U.K. unless negotiations are also resolved on other “sensitive” issues, including access to UK waters for European fishing fleets. 

Speaking in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“Fishery quota negotiations are difficult and nuanced at the best of times and understanding the granular detail of advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, for example, is never straightforward. It always goes badly wrong when we bring in other considerations. Does he agree that both our national security and our fishing industry deserve better treatment than the sort the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East (Seamus Logan) just outlined, if indeed what is reported is true?”

Responding, MP for St Ives Andrew George said:

“If we are to establish a sustainable fishing industry that is fair to UK fishermen, it is important that the industry is reviewed on its merits and on the basis of science, not on political horse-trading with other countries. I strongly accept that point.”

Reacting after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“Reports that a deal over shared defence in Europe could be blocked over demands for concessions from UK fisheries are seriously concerning. In the face of growing threats to democracies globally it would be the height of madness for any country to play politics over this issue – we surely all have bigger fish to fry.”