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Scottish First Minister John Swinney has condemned the UK Government’s new fishing agreement with the European Union, claiming that it has effectively “surrendered” fishing rights. He stated that the Scottish Government was not consulted about the deal, which allows European fishing boats to maintain access to UK waters for another 12 years.
Swinney’s comments came after the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) described the agreement as a “horror show” for the sector. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, however, defended the deal, asserting that it is “good for fishing” and would facilitate the sale of British seafood to Europe. According to Starmer, the 12-year extension provides “stability” instead of the uncertainty of annual negotiations, given that over 70% of UK seafood is sold to European markets.
Scottish Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson also criticized the UK Government for agreeing to the fisheries deal “without any recourse, involvement or approval of devolved administrations.” Swinney echoed this sentiment, accusing successive UK governments of disregarding Scottish fishing interests, stating, “Scotland is an afterthought in the UK Government’s decision-making.” He added that the deal contradicts the promises made during Brexit, where greater control over UK waters was pledged.
The deal was finalized in a last-minute negotiation with the EU ahead of a major summit involving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. The agreement maintains the status quo, with no changes to EU access to British fishing waters or quota allocations, extending the current arrangement until 2038.
Tim Eagle, Scottish Conservative fisheries spokesperson, condemned the deal, calling it “an absolute disaster for the Scottish fishing industry” and a “shameful betrayal” of coastal communities. He accused Starmer of “totally capitulating” to EU demands and neglecting the livelihoods of Scottish fishermen.
SFF Chief Executive Elspeth Macdonald was similarly critical, describing the agreement as “far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit deal” and a “disgrace.” She claimed that Starmer’s government “made the whole deal on the backs of our fishermen and coastal communities” to secure other trade objectives. Macdonald added that giving away access to UK fishing grounds for no clear benefit was an act of “total indifference” to the sector.
However, Phil Taylor, director of marine conservation charity Open Seas, provided a different perspective. He argued that the debate over access and the deal’s duration overlooks the fact that some of the largest UK fishing companies are EU-owned and that many Scottish boats still export more than half of their catch to the continent. Taylor emphasized that the focus should be on how the deal will protect marine resources and regulate businesses using the sea, regardless of nationality.
