Tim Eagle MSP warns that the First Minister’s EU ambitions threaten Scotland’s fishing industry
Buckie: A local MSP is calling out the First Minister. He says the First Minister wants to sabotage the fishing industry. This is all about a desire to rejoin the EU.
Tim Eagle, the Scottish Conservative Shadow Secretary for Rural Affairs, is worried. He believes the future of Scotland’s fishing fleet is at risk. His concerns come after John Swinney spoke to a business crowd in Glasgow.
Eagle warns that any move back to the EU would hurt the fishing industry. He thinks the SNP’s plan to rejoin the Common Fisheries Policy is reckless. He feels it could threaten access to Scottish waters.
Brussels is likely to demand a fishing deal soon. This is before they will consider any deeper cooperation with the UK.
During his speech, Swinney said, “the EU is the answer.” He believes rejoining the EU should be a national mission.
In response, Eagle said Swinney’s words would scare Scottish fishermen. He accused Swinney of being willing to sacrifice the fishing sector for a seat in the EU.
Eagle pointed out that fishing opportunities have improved since leaving the Common Fisheries Policy. He noted that landings at ports like Peterhead are at an all-time high.
He stressed that the SNP would harm the fishing sector by giving in to EU demands. Eagle believes the First Minister does not appreciate the risks fishermen take to provide quality seafood.
He concluded that Scotland must support the fishing industry to ensure food security.
Swinney reiterated his belief that the EU is key for security in an uncertain world. He stated that the future lies within the European Union.
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