A separate Defra briefing reinforced the warning, stating that removing EU vessels from UK waters would lower effort levels for domestic boats and improve returns. “If UK vessels currently have to exert more effort due to competition from EU vessels, removing EU vessels should reduce the effort required for a given catch, allow for a greater catch, and increase profits,” the department advised.
The same note cautioned that any expansion of EU access would have the opposite effect. “If increased access creates more competition with UK vessels, this will drive up costs and reduce profits,” Defra said.
Despite this advice, Labour proceeded with a deal allowing continued EU access to UK waters for 12 years, a decision now facing mounting criticism from fishing communities in Scotland and beyond.
Scottish Conservatives Accuse Labour Of Ignoring Evidence
Following the disclosure of the documents, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party councillor for Fraserburgh James Adams accused the Labour government of wilfully disregarding both industry concerns and official advice.
“It’s little surprise that this shameful Labour government is hell-bent on ignoring not just fishermen, but even their own advisors on this,” James Adams, councillor for Fraserburgh, said. “A 12-year deal allowing free access to our waters is the worst scenario anyone could have imagined.”
Adams claimed the decision was politically motivated and warned of long-term consequences for coastal areas. “These revelations expose that nothing was going to stop Keir Starmer in his vicious pursuit to sell out our fishing industry,” he said. “The consequences of his actions will be felt across the Banffshire and Buchan Coast for years to come.”
He added that the agreement mirrored policies long opposed by the Scottish fishing sector. “This deal is just as bad as the SNP’s fisheries policy, which would see the Scottish Government drag the sector back into the hated Common Fisheries Policy,” Adams said.