UK Government funding for Scotland’s fishing is an ‘insult’, says minister

The UK Government’s proposed funding allocation for Scotland’s fishing industry is “an insult” a minister has said.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon is calling for MSPs across parties to unite against the UK Government’s decision on funding allocation for Scotland’s fishing industry.

Ahead of a vote in Holyrood on Tuesday, Ms Gougeon is asking MSPs to agree that Scotland should receive more from the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

Her comments come after the UK Government confirmed it will give Scotland 7.78% of funding. This would allocate £28 million of the £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund to Scotland.

Ms Gougeon said the proposed funding is “unacceptable” as Scotland accounts for more than 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity and seafood exports.

She said: “Scotland accounts for more than 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity – yet this UK Labour Government thinks it is acceptable to give us just 7.78% of the funding. It is completely unjustifiable and an insult to the sector in Scotland.

“As part of the EU, Scotland received 46% of the funding allocated to the UK – but with the Labour Government seeking to cut this down to a tiny fraction, it begins to look like Westminster is using Brexit for a cash grab for the sector south of the border.”

The UK Government’s decisions on the replacement funding could mean Scotland would be over £100 million pounds down.

Ms Gougeon is calling for MSPs from all parties to fight the decision.

She said: “I am asking MSPs from all parties to come together today and make clear that this is completely unacceptable and the UK Government must reverse this decision.

“And there is a critical challenge for Scottish Labour here.  Will they stand up for a crucial Scottish industry and its workforce or will they once again stand up for Keir Starmer?

“Scotland’s fishing industry is being short-changed by Westminster to the tune of more than a hundred million pounds. Today, our Parliament can unite to make clear that this is a completely unacceptable insult and to demand that the UK Government provide a fair deal for Scotland.

“The SNP Government will continue to support industry stakeholders’ calls for fairness.

“But if the UK Government continues with this deeply damaging approach, they will be making clear that they simply do not understand or even care about Scotland’s fishing industry – and we should take these decisions ourselves with the fresh start of independence.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “This fund will revitalise the fishing sector and coastal communities right across the UK, spurring growth as part of our plan for change.

“Supporting devolved governments with this new funding will help get the money to where it’s most needed, so the sector can thrive for generations to come.”