UK Government taskforce seeks to help ailing Scottish fishing industry struggling under post-Brexit rules

A brand new group arrange by the Authorities in an try to assist the Scottish fishing trade within the wake of Brexit will meet this week for the primary time.

Scotland Workplace minister David Duguid stated the taskforce would meet each fortnight with the goal to “work collaboratively throughout UK and Scottish governments”.

The primary talks come after trade leaders accused the UK Government of being “in denial” about the scale of the problem fishermen face exporting their catch to the European Union.

James Withers, chief government at Scottish Meals and Drink, instructed MPs on the Scottish Affairs Committee it had been a “dreadful first few weeks” because of issues with paperwork and IT techniques crashing.

‘Motion-orientated’

The introduction of recent checks and paperwork because the finish of the Brexit transition interval on December 31 has brought about disruption to exports of recent fish and seafood to the EU.

Producers have expressed frustration on the lack of Authorities motion, whereas final month seafood hauliers protested against the Brexit fishing deal by stacking lorries in central London.

Mr Duguid promised the brand new taskforce could be “action-oriented” because it labored to make sure that “medium and longer-term export points are resolved”.

The Scottish Seafood Exports Job Drive will carry collectively representatives from the UK Authorities and the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors – with the Scottish Authorities additionally invited to participate at each ministerial and official degree.

Mr Duguid has now written to the Scottish Rural Economic system Secretary, Fergus Ewing, to ask if he and his officers can participate within the first assembly this week.

World-class seafood

Mr Duguid stated: “We have now had in depth consultations with the trade and have been working day and evening to resolve points across the new preparations for getting our world-class seafood to prospects in Europe.

“From this ongoing session with trade representatives, I imagine that the hole they want us to fill would comprise an action-oriented group. It will work collaboratively throughout UK and Scottish governments, rising confidence within the seafood and aquaculture provide chain by making certain that medium and longer-term export points are resolved.”

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He insisted: “I’m clear concerning the want for motion. I would like the taskforce to trace the export course of to establish points stopping or delaying export, and areas of complexity that aren’t but nicely understood.

“We need to search a standard understanding on the export course of and deal with issues by creating options to be taken ahead by the UK Authorities, Scottish Authorities and EU.

“And we need to guarantee there’s efficient communication with the trade to make sure merchants are conscious of points and of options.”

Extra reporting by Press Affiliation