“The stench of Boris Johnson’s bungled 2020 deal will linger over us for a generation” – Carmichael reacts to UK 12-year extension of EU fishing rights

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has responded to reports today that the government will extend EU fishing quotas in UK waters to 2038, labelling it “deeply disappointing”. 

Media reports suggest that the UK’s willingness to extend EU fishing quotas to 2038 was the concession which resolved negotiations late last night. In return, the UK secured an agreement that the aspect of the deal reducing checks on food exports to the EU would stand alone rather than being tied to any future negotiations over fish.

Later today the government will also unveil a “fishing and coastal growth fund”, which will be £360 million of investment in coastal communities.

Mr Carmichael said:

“Reports that the government has rolled over current arrangements for fishing until 2038 are deeply disappointing. Fishermen were hoping for a reset after the incompetence of the previous Tory government in protecting fishing interests. 

“Instead it seems that the stench of Boris Johnson’s bungled 2020 deal will linger over us for a generation. It is utterly shameless of the Tories to complain now about a deal which replicates exactly their own cackhanded agreement – they must think fishermen have short memories indeed.

“If there is a silver lining for fishermen it will be in easements for trade and stability for key export markets – but that is still far from the ‘sea of opportunity’ that was promised in the past. I fear Labour have not yet grappled with the sense of betrayal that is building in fishing communities.”