Minister may risk the outrage of the fishing industry as he claims there is no “adverse” reset – as the EU wants to enter British waters “forever” instead of 12 years
One minister endangers the anger of today’s fishing industry because he claims that Brexit “reset” is not “desirable”.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed has shown a strong defense before MPs despite his anger on “disastrous” clauses.
He suggested that Brussels had been putting “pressure” on the UK to agree to the continued “permanent” right to access – claiming that France orchestrated the last-minute ambush.
Mr Reid said negotiators “stand firmly” limiting time to 12 years, although that far exceeds the four years that Keir Starmer seems to have initially offered.
Comments contrast sharply with the industry’s frustration with the imprint of “original deals” and “absolute disaster.”
The head of the UK’s largest fishing agency accused the government of allowing “disappointing” rights giveaways without reward.
Under the terms of Boris Johnson’s 2020 Brexit deal, the EU has abandoned 25% of its fishing quota – until 2026.
Steve Reed said negotiators “stand firmly” limiting time to 12 years, though that’s far more than the four years that Keir Starmer seems to have initially offered
Sir Kyle unveiled the “reset” of his Brext yesterday and on an apparently happy Ursula von der Leyen
Under the terms of Boris Johnson’s 2020 Brexit deal, the EU has abandoned its 25% fishing quota in UK waters – stepping into 2026
From next year, annual negotiations will be held, which the British fishing industry hopes will provide leverage to restore its holdings.
However, the quota will be frozen now until at least 2038. The text of the trade treaty has also been rewritten, so any attempt by the Conservatives or reforms to reverse the move will allow the EU to impose retaliation.
Mr Reed gave evidence to the Environment Commission this morning: “I think this is a good deal for the British fishing sector. In fact, some of the pressure in our negotiating team is that the EU is interested in more quotas and more into EU territory than some speculations.
“They are looking for a protocol for permanent phishing and they are trying to achieve that by making the false link between phishing and SPS (hygiene and botany) deals I think.”
He added: “Our negotiating team is absolutely firm, so we have a 12-year deal and if you compare what the fishing department has in the last few years, we will have the best year the fishing department has based on the last government deal.
“So until the last year, until 2026, it was better than every year under the current arrangement and then moved it forward for 12 years.
“So there is no loss of all quotas or all our own losses into the territory, but there is also further gain as the British fishing sector exports 70% of our catch.
“Now this is much easier, simpler, and much less costly, so they can export more British fish to the border, less likely to rot at the border. ”
Mr Reed added: “For fishermen, there is no drawback. What they can export is huge.”
There are claims Emmanuel Macron planned a last-minute ambush in negotiations on fishing rights
