Speaking in the House of Commons, Cleethorpes MP, Martin Vickers, questioned Fisheries Minister George Eustice about the future of the fishing industry and reflected on the damaging impact that membership of the EU has had on the deep sea industry that was once the backbone of the local economy.
Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con):
There is little doubt that membership of the EU has been damaging to the deep-sea fishing industry, but looking to the future, does my hon. Friend agree that our relationships with non-EU countries such as Iceland are particularly important to the industry?
George Eustice:
Yes, my hon. Friend makes an important point. For Grimsby and his constituents, the close relations and the partnership we enjoy with Iceland in particular is extremely important. There is a tradition in this country that we import much of the fish that we consume, notably from Iceland and to a limited extent from Norway, and that we export much of the fish that we catch to the EU, but also to other third countries, such as China and Nigeria.
Speaking after the exchanges, Mr Vickers said “it was encouraging to note that the minister recognises the importance of our trade with countries outside the EU. We are far too focussed on the business we do with the EU rather than widening our vision towards the growing economies of Asia, Africa, and South America and, of course, let’s not forget that Europe is not just the EU; Iceland is of particular importance. As someone who favours leaving the EU it’s encouraging to note that George Eustice, whose brief includes both fisheries and agriculture, also favours leaving."