Fisheries Bill

2nd September, 2020

Yesterday, I spoke in the Second Reading of the Fisheries Bill.

This Bill represents a unique opportunity to reform our fisheries as we leave the Commons Fisheries Policy. The Bill has already been through the Lords where important amendments were added, placing sustainability as a core tenet of the Bill and requiring the roll-out of Remote Electronic Monitoring on all vessels, to ensure they are complying with standards and quotas. It’s disappointing to hear the Secretary of State say that the Government will seek to repeal those amendments during committee stage.

I spoke out in favour of these amendments and called for a renewed focus on sustainability in our fisheries. I also used the opportunity to raise the unacceptable issue of supertrawlers fishing in Marine Protected Areas – I’ve had over 150 emails from constituents on this topic in recent weeks.

The Government has continually spoken of its commitment to sustainable marine management, yet these warm words are not being put into practice. I will continue to argue in favour of sustainability at every opportunity, and will work to amend the Bill to this effect when it returns to the Commons for Report Stage.

Fisheries Bill: Second Reading Speech

Yesterday, I spoke in the Second Reading of the Fisheries Bill. This Bill represents a unique opportunity to reform our fisheries as we leave the Commons Fisheries Policy. The Bill has already been through the Lords where important amendments were added, placing sustainability as a core tenet of the Bill and requiring the roll-out of Remote Electronic Monitoring on all vessels, to ensure they are complying with standards and quotas. It’s disappointing to hear the Secretary of State say that the Government will seek to repeal those amendments during committee stage.I spoke out in favour of these amendments and called for a renewed focus on sustainability in our fisheries. I also used the opportunity to raise the unacceptable issue of supertrawlers fishing in Marine Protected Areas – I’ve had over 150 emails from constituents on this topic in recent weeks.The Government has continually spoken of its commitment to sustainable marine management, yet these warm words are not being put into practice. I will continue to argue in favour of sustainability at every opportunity, and will work to amend the Bill to this effect when it returns to the Commons for Report Stage.

Posted by Kerry McCarthy MP on Wednesday, 2 September 2020