Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois stood up for British fishing rights today in the House of Commons, during Prime Minister’s Questions. Mark began his question by criticising the “disastrous Common Fisheries Policy” and then expressing concern about the fisheries aspect of the Brexit transition deal provisionally agreed with the European Union.
The latest proposals will see British fishermen still subject to the CFP during the transitional period after Britain has left the EU, lasting until January 2021. After that time, however, the UK will be able to take back full control of its fishing grounds. In light of this Mark went on to ask the PM:
“Can the Prime Minister assure the House and indeed fishing communities around the United Kingdom that we will absolutely and unequivocally take back full control of our waters from 2021?”
In reply, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of British fishing and the need to make arrangements workable for our fishermen. In response to Mark’s point, she confirmed that the intention is that we will take back control of our waters.
Commenting on today’s exchange at PMQs Mark said:
“Although mine is not a traditional fishing community, I still have some concerns about the fate of our fishing industry and hence my question to the PM today. It is very important that we have a workable deal to protect our fishing fleet and I was pleased that the PM confirmed that we will indeed take back control of our waters, which is in line with what the British people voted for in the referendum.”