The UK government’s proposed funding allocation for Scotland’s fishing industry has been branded “an insult” by Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon.
Ahead of a vote at Holyrood on Tuesday, the SNP minister is urging 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 – allocating £28m of the £360m available.
Ms Gougeon said the proposed funding is “unacceptable” as Scotland accounts for more than 60% of the UK’s fishing capacity and seafood exports.
The MSP 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 £100m down.
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Ms Gougeon is urging 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 £100m. 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.”
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A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 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.”
