Scotland is home to the bulk of the UKs fishing fleet, but the Fisheries Secretary has often been excluded from key talks or relegated to a minor role by the previous UK Government.
Commenting Ms Watt said: Scotlands fishing fleet has taken a leading role in introducing innovative new conservation measures and there is a pressing need for a Scottish voice to be heard in EU fisheries negotiations. Given the greater importance to Scotland of the issue, I firmly believe that the Fisheries Secretary should be allowed to take a leading role in discussions.
I welcomed the opportunity to put that point to the new Secretary of State and I hope that the new UK Government will give it serious consideration rather than the obstinate refusal to do so that we saw under the previous administration. It was a positive meeting where he seemed to take on board what was discussed, and I hope that the new Secretary of State will now go on to take action on the issues that were raised with him.
The SNP Government recognises that fishing is a vital industry for Scotland and given that it was once described by a Westminster government as expendable, there is a clear need for Scotland to take a leading role in standing up for the industry in Europe.
Scotland Wants Lead Role In EU Negotiations
SCOTLAND, UK - SNP North East MSP Maureen Watt has raised the issue of Scotland taking a leading role in EU fisheries negotiations with the new Secretary of State for Scotland during his meeting with Holyroods committee conveners.
