Red tape 'strangling' East Neuk fishing, claims MSP

Additional steps now needed for exports to European markets since the UK left the EU at the beginning of the year are causing delays to seafood exports which threaten the viability of seafood.

The UK Government announced earlier this month that businesses having trouble exporting to the EU would be compensated with a £23m package.

However, North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie has said this does not go far enough.

Mr Rennie said: “Fisherman and their businesses in Pittenweem and the East Neuk need these issues fixed and the red tape cut for good, compensation for their loss of earnings is a sticking plaster over an enormous disruption to their businesses and livelihoods.

“These problems mark an absolute failure of the government, an entirely preventable shambles and an error of the government’s own making.

“Instead of the sea of opportunity that we were promised, boats will soon be tied up in harbours because of this bungling Conservative government."

The North East Fife MSP added: “The government have put us into this situation with a promise to cut red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy but have so far only made matters worse.

“We need urgent action from the government, to cut the red tape that is tying the hands of fishermen and their wholesalers unable to export to the EU.”

Two weeks ago, the UK Government announced firms exporting fish and shellfish to the EU who can show they have suffered “genuine loss” due to Brexit red tape will be able to claim up to £100,000 in compensation.

Under the deal reached last month, British trade with the EU is tariff free, but fish exporters are now suffering due to a series of new document demands.

Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted the fishing industry will reap the benefits of Brexit “as the days and years go on”.

He told MPs: “There is £23 million in addition to the £100 million to help modernise fishing fleets and recognising that any delays for the fishing industry are particularly difficult because of the short shelf life of fresh fish.”