Fishermen in Cornwall Outraged by New Brexit Fishing Deal

Fishermen in Cornwall are voicing their outrage over a Brexit-reset deal negotiated by Sir Keir Starmer, feeling blindsided as it contradicts their campaign goals. The new agreement, which allows continued EU access to British waters for an additional 12 years, has resulted in shrinking quotas and increased bureaucracy, leading to a crisis within the fishing industry. Many fishermen are concerned that fish, once a staple in their diets, is becoming increasingly unaffordable and is viewed as a luxury.

As quota allocations dwindle, fishermen are struggling to maintain their businesses. Sam Chapman, a fishmonger, has had to pivot from wholesale to retail due to supply shortages, lamenting that fish prices have skyrocketed, impacting customers who now only visit for occasional treats. He expressed dismay over the bleak outlook for future generations in the fishing industry, noting that the hope for increased fishing quotas has not materialized.

The situation is critical for individual fishermen as well. Julian Clemence, a pollack fisherman from Looe, has faced severe financial strain with earnings plummeting to just £500 a month during the early part of the year due to a lack of catches. This has forced him to sell one of his businesses, prompting him to call for government attention to the plight of those directly in the industry.

Criticism is also mounting towards Labour leaders who are accused of undermining local fishermen. Rob Parsonage of Reform UK has highlighted the frustrations of fisheries leaders who felt misled during negotiations, asserting that the decisions were made without proper consideration of their input. Chris Ranford, CEO of the Cornwall Fish Producers’ Organisation, echoed these sentiments in a letter to the Prime Minister, branding the new fishing deal as detrimental and questioning the opportunities left for the fishing community.

The reality for Cornwall's fishing industry is dire, with ongoing discussions about how to rally support for change. Parsonage has plans to mobilize local governing bodies to petition for reforms that protect the livelihoods of fishermen and ensure a future for their industry amidst increasing challenges posed by external regulations and quota limitations.