Now Reading: SNP Candidate Challenges Westminster Parties to Back Angus Fishermen
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SNP Candidate Challenges Westminster Parties to Back Angus Fishermen
SNP Candidate Challenges Westminster Parties to Back Angus Fishermen
Lloyd Melville warns “shameful cuts” will hurt struggling coastal sector
Angus South SNP candidate Lloyd Melville has challenged his opponents to back Angus’ fishing sector after the UK Government’s replacement for EU funding was revealed.
Scotland’s fishing fleet lands more than half of all UK fish by weight — the backbone of the UK industry — yet stands to lose out under new Westminster funding plans.
The Scottish Government and other stakeholders had called for a proportionate share of funding. In line with what would have been granted under previous EU rules, Scotland should have been awarded £166 million.
However, the new UK Fishing and Coastal Communities Fund will distribute money to devolved governments on a simple population basis, using the Barnett formula — rather than reflecting the size of each nation’s fishing industry.
This means Scotland will receive just 7.78% of the total £360m fund – equivalent to just £28 million. That represents an 83% decrease.
In response, Angus South SNP candidate has called for his Labour and Conservative opponents to back the industry, while hailing local investment in new gates and a new cradle at Arbroath Harbour.
Fishing is woven into the fabric of Arbroath and Angus — our local produce is famous around the world, especially the protected Arbroath smokie.
– SNP Candidate Lloyd Melville
These shameful cuts by the Labour Government show they simply don’t understand coastal communities. Our fishing sector has already suffered enormous harm from Brexit — now Labour are compounding that damage.
The Scottish Government and fishing representatives have consistently warned that using the Barnett formula would short-change Scotland’s fleet, which lands more fish than England, Wales and Northern Ireland combined.
The UK Government should think again, and match the funding previously delivered for Scotland’s fishing industry while we were within the European Union.
I will back Angus’ fishing industry to the hilt – as seen by the then-SNP Council’s investment in new infrastructure at Arbroath Harbour, supporting jobs and protecting the working harbour in Arbroath.
The question now is whether the Westminster parties will stand with me in demanding fairness for our fishermen – or whether they’ll sell them down the river yet again.
