- The Prime Minster will hold crisis talks with Scottish Conservatives today
- Brexit Secretary David Davis said that Britain would be ‘consulted’ on the quota
- Ruth Davidson said: ‘I will not support a deal as we leave the EU which, over the long-term, fails to deliver full control over fish stocks and vessel access’
Theresa May will hold crisis talks with Scottish Tories today after they threatened to veto the final Brexit deal unless it secures ‘full control’ of the UK’s fishing grounds.
Industry leaders criticised ministers after they accepted that the EU will be able to fix fishing quotas in British waters during the Brexit transition period. UK officials will not be in the room when the decisions are made, but Brexit Secretary David Davis insisted that Britain would still be ‘consulted’ on the quota, and said the share awarded to UK boats would not be reduced.
However, Scottish Tory MPs warned they could block the final Brexit deal unless they get guarantees that ministers will not trade away access to fishing grounds.
Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said: ‘I will not support a deal as we leave the EU which, over the long-term, fails to deliver full control over fish stocks and vessel access’
Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said: ‘I will not support a deal as we leave the EU which, over the long-term, fails to deliver full control over fish stocks and vessel access.’
Douglas Ross, one of 13 Scottish Tory MPs at Westminster, said: ‘There is no spinning this as a good outcome.’
Bertie Armstrong, of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: ‘Our fishing communities’ fortunes will still be subject to the whim and largesse of the EU for another two years.’ Downing Street denied the industry would be ‘sold out’, insisting the PM is determined to secure a ‘fairer share’ of fishing stocks.