Liberal Democrats on Cornwall Council are calling on Cornish MPs not to back the EU Trade Deal in a Commons vote today – they say it will leave the fishing industry out of pocket.

The Liberal Democrats say that there are several key disappointments in the deal agreed:

• The extra fish quota due to us under the international law of zonal attachment equates to just 25% over 5.5 years.

• The 12 miles exclusive limit that Boris promised, and that Norway has, will not be granted.

• The EU could impose tariffs and penalties if the U.K. withdraws access in future years.

• Fish and seafood exports will require a huge amount of paperwork plus time-consuming veterinary checks. This will have a huge impact on the ability to export fresh product which is where the most valuable markets are.

Edwina Hannaford, Liberal Democrat portfolio holder for Climate Change and Neighbourhoods and Cornwall Councillor for Looe West, Lansallos and Lanteglos said:

“Cornish inshore fishermen put their faith in Boris Johnson to stand up for them, so I understand why they now feel betrayed. For little extra fish to catch, our best market and most profitable market is still in jeopardy. And the real negotiation has been put off for five years by which time the rest of the country will have moved on.

“We are calling on Cornish MPs not to vote this through, this is not the deal or outcome that Boris and the Government had promised our fishermen.”

MP for South East Cornwall Sheryll Murray has said that she is disappointed that the deal agreed between the UK Government and the EU was eventually linked to access to UK waters.

“I have spoken to people in the fishing industry who feel let down,” she said.

“I will support the trade deal but am now working with colleagues to see what more can be done for our fishermen within the scope of this agreement.”

Meanwhile MP for St Ives and West Cornwall Derek Thomas said that the “devil would be in the detail” over who has access to UK waters.

“My early conclusion is that to make this deal work for fishermen, the Government must invest heavily in the UK fishing sector to build the fleet and infrastructure onshore,” he said.

“The Government must also demonstrate that they are able and willing to stand firm over the next few years as the fisheries arrangements evolve.

“The devil is in the detail and I am seeking further clarification on what has actually been agreed in regards to who has access to UK waters. If the deal allows us to build a significant and prosperous fishing sector around the UK, bringing with it the revival of coastal communities, then I, and more importantly fishermen themselves, have reason to be satisfied.

“However, I’m not convinced- the length of the transition (until 2026) is concerning and it’s clear that the fishing community will not have the share of fish in UK waters in 2026 that they have been led to expect.

“This deal is good in lots of ways but it may not be the promise of a bright future for Cornish Fishing. I’ll work with Cornish fishing to get the best out of this.”