SNP defends industry investment as Tories and Labour face criticism for quota deal
The political handling of Scottish fishing took centre stage at Holyrood this week, with questions raised about the UK-EU trade agreement’s lasting impact on the industry and coastal communities.
Stephen Kerr, Conservative MSP for Central Scotland, challenged the Scottish Government during a session of parliamentary questions, asking what new action it would take to support fisheries. Kerr accused the Scottish National Party (SNP) of hypocrisy over its stated position on Brexit and the Common Fisheries Policy.
He said: “John Swinney has said that the UK Government ‘surrendered’ the Scottish fishing industry. On the other hand, he is campaigning to rejoin the European Union, which would result in a return to the disastrous common fisheries policy. What is worse for Scottish fishing—the sell-out by the Labour Government or the hypocrisy of the SNP?”
In response, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon placed the blame squarely on Westminster. She said: “It is the sell-out by the Tories and the UK Government. Whether it is Labour or Tory, the UK Government cannot be trusted to negotiate for our interests.”