IS the Government’s new Fisheries Act 2020 about to sink the UK fishing fleet for good?

I went on its own Brexit advice website on Saturday to check.

I answered questions as if I was an EU trawler captain domiciled in the UK.

It appears, from UK government advice, that I am allowed to fish away in UK waters to my heart’s content but land my catch in an EU port if I want to.

It appears the trade in quotas, which has caused so much harm to the UK industry, is being allowed to continue, with four-fifths of the UK annual catch being landed abroad in the EU still.

I just thought I’d mention this before Parliament broke for Christmas, as I know so many good people feel so strongly about our fisheries.

The bill was bounced through the Lords on November 12.

Perhaps if their lordships had been given a little more time, some of these difficulties might have been addressed?

The Bill I understand has yet to receive the Royal Assent.

Surely there is time for a re-draft?

Cllr Nigel Boddy, Darlington.