The Labour government faces a huge backlash after it sells-out fishing industry granting EU boats access to UK waters for 12 more years
The UK Labour government is under heavy fire from the fishing industry after confirming it has signed a 12-year agreement allowing continued European Union access to British waters.
The political agreement grants full reciprocal access for the EU fleet to fish in UK waters until 30 June 2038.
The deal, part of a wider post-Brexit trade and defence framework, has triggered an immediate and furious reaction from across the UK fishing sector, particularly in Scotland.
Industry representatives and opposition politicians have labelled the agreement a betrayal and a “total capitulation”, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of sacrificing hard-won sovereignty for limited economic gain.
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) – A Disastrous Outcome
Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, which represents over 400 vessels, described the deal as “an absolutely disastrous outcome for the Scottish fishing fleet”.
Macdonald said: “This deal is a horror show for Scottish fishermen, far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit agreement.
“It is clear that Sir Keir Starmer made the whole deal on the backs of our fishermen and coastal communities, granting EU vessels 12 years of continuous access to UK waters at the last minute in order secure other objectives.
“This highlights the total indifference of the British political establishment to the interests of our fishing sector, with Sir Keir becoming the third prime minister after Edward Heath and Johnson to betray the industry.
“Any attempt by either the UK or EU to portray the new deal as a continuation of existing arrangements would be a lie, because in fact the Trade and Co-operation Agreement paved the way for annual access negotiations from 2026.
“At the weekend, Sir Keir said the deal would be measured against how much it would improve job prospects and allow our communities to flourish.
“Giving away a national asset such as our rich and healthy fishing grounds for no discernible benefit not only fails both of these tests, but is a disgrace that will ensure the enmity of this proud industry for many years to come.”
Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA) – “Taking fishing rights from a baby”
Reacting to the UK/EU trade agreement revealed today, James Anderson – skipper of whitefish vessel Alison Kay (LK 57) and chair of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association – said:
“The fact is that we are sadly not like Iceland, or Norway, or a country that still recognises the value of protecting our own fishing fleet and fishing grounds. Normally, nations negotiate fishing access and quota transfers on an annual basis. Overnight, the EU has been allowed to renege on annual negotiations and instead enjoy a 12 year deal – with UK fishing crews forced to give up their grounds and fish stocks again in exchange for what?
“This, unfortunately, is how our industry – which has so much more to offer – has been treated by successive governments. Fishing communities such as Shetland will remain hopeful that, one day, the UK will find its feet as an independent coastal state and finally conduct ourselves as such – denying EU vessels access to our productive seas without first paying for the privilege.”
Daniel Lawson, Executive Officer for Shetland Fishermen’s Association, added:
“For the EU, this deal has been like taking fishing rights from a baby. The Prime Minister knew full well the fishing industry’s hopes, and the potential opportunities at hand. He has not listened, those opportunities are wasted, and now hard-working fishermen pay the price for this submission. Every benefit the UK Government lists is also a benefit to the EU: which is not the mark of a triumphant negotiation. If the UK Government can’t see the value of our waters, they should consider why the EU has pushed so hard to secure fishing access for so long.”
Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) – UK-EU deal a betrayal to fishing sector
The SPFA says today’s UK-EU deal is a betrayal of the fishing industry and the communities it supports.
Ian Gatt, chief executive of the SPFA, the representative organisation for Scotland’s mackerel, herring and blue whiting fishermen, said: “The outcome of this deal is an utter betrayal of the promises made to us on Brexit and the benefits it would bring to fishing, including control of our own waters.
“We met with the EU Director General last November who at that time was looking for a five-year extension for fishing opportunities in UK waters, and it beggars belief that this has been extended to 12 years, which ties the hands of future UK governments in negotiations.
“In granting an extension in the access to our waters, the UK negotiators at the very least should have pressed for a reciprocal arrangement of more fish for us to catch, which would have also given increased volumes for our processing sector. This has been a terrible negotiation carried out by the UK, and which shows a complete indifference to the fortunes of our fishing communities, as well as our national food security.”
National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) – Very disappointed
“Giving the EU twelve years of guaranteed access to UK waters up to the six-mile inshore limit gives away the best card that we still had in our hand in fisheries discussions with Europe. This surrenders the best prospect that the fishing industry and coastal communities had for growth over the coming decade. We had reason to believe that our government understood both the economic, symbolic and conservation value of reclaiming exclusive access for UK boats to our territorial waters within 12 miles of the coast. Clearly, however, they did not value such things as much as their European counterparts.
“The Prime Minister and EU have claimed that the SPS agreement will benefit the UK fishing industry, in the form of boosted exports. It is true that itmayhelp producers of farmed shellfish and salmon, as well as the biggest retailers and exporters, but it isveryunlikely that any savings from reduced export costs will be passed down to the men and women who go to sea. If the Government has a plan to ensure these cost savings go down the supply chain, we are eager to hear it and happy to work with them on it.
“Moving forward, the Government must work hard to rebuild trust in the fishing industry and in coastal communities, where fishing remains integral to their economy and identity. Many people in these communities will now think the Government does not care about them.
“TheFishing and Coastal Growth Fundannounced today sounds significant, but the devil will be in the detail. We need the Government to work closely with us, to ensure the money isactuallyspent in ways that directly benefit fishermen. There must be a long term plan to help fishing business to grow and coastal communities to thrive. Having given away our best tool for achieving that, the task will be harder now, but it is no less important.
“The NFFO wants to continue working closely with the Government, for the benefit of our industry and the communities we support. With significant existential threats, including the rush to expand offshore wind farms onto productive fishing grounds, we have had nothing but bad news for too long. Government must show that it cares for our sector and for people on the coast. Close and constructive collaboration on the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund and a national strategy on fishing would be a good start.”
Scottish Seafood Association cautiously welcomes new EU-UK deal
Unlike the fishermen’s’ associations, the Scottish Seafood Association welcomed the Eu fishing deal but added a note of caution. In a statement the Association said:
“We welcome the newly agreed EU-UK deal as a positive step forward in reducing trade barriers and costs. The streamlined processes and removal of routine inspections for goods will significantly improve the flow of exports, enabling faster delivery times to our customers across the EU. This is a constructive outcome for many sectors of our economy, enhancing competitiveness and strengthening trading relationships.
“However, we are deeply concerned about the 12-year agreement on fisheries access, which restricts new opportunities for Scotland’s fishing fleet to increase its catch. This outcome falls short of the broader economic potential that Brexit was meant to unlock for our coastal communities.
“Given these constraints, it is now essential that our onshore seafood processing sector receives the support it needs to become more cost-efficient and to invest in workforce upskilling. Only by strengthening the entire supply chain – from sea to plate – can we ensure a resilient and profitable future for Scotland’s fishing industry.”
Deal struck to improve EU trade – but at what cost?
The government claims the deal will ease checks on UK food and agricultural exports to the EU and is part of a broader push to improve cross-border trade, defence co-operation, and mobility. The food export measures are reportedly detached from future fisheries talks, a move presented by Downing Street as a negotiating success.
A £360 million “fishing and coastal growth fund” is also set to be announced later today to soften the political fallout in affected regions. But early signs suggest that won’t be enough to silence industry anger.
BBC Brussels correspondent Jessica Parker noted the context: “It is unsurprising that fishing rights have been lumped into all of this, as the post-Brexit deal on fisheries was due to expire next year.”
Political backlash builds across Scotland
Scottish Conservative shadow fishing secretary Tim Eagle MSP said the deal was “an absolute disaster for the Scottish fishing industry.”
“Sir Keir Starmer and the UK Labour government have not just surrendered to the European Union’s demands, they have totally capitulated to them.
“The deal is a shameful betrayal of our fishermen and will go down like a lead balloon in our coastal communities across Scotland. It is even worse than they feared.”
The MSP for Highlands and Islands representative claim the deal proves that Sir Keir Starmer does not care about the industry and has no interest in defending the jobs and livelihoods it supports.
He continued: “This betrayal will never be forgiven by our fishermen. And, for all the SNP’s spin, the sector knows that the Nationalists would capitulate too because they are desperate to take us back into the hated Common Fisheries Policy.
“Only the Scottish Conservatives are standing up for our fishermen and being a strong voice for the industry, while the other parties cannot wait for the chance to sell them out,” concluded Eagle.
Harriet Cross MP, representing the fishing region of Gordon and Buchan, added: “
“Starmer’s surrender is one of the biggest acts of betrayal that our fishing industry has seen in Scotland.
“It’s absolutely shameful that the Labour UK Government has capitulated to Brussels by agreeing a 12-year deal to hand over fishing access to EU boats in UK waters.”
She accused Labour of using British fishermen “as a pawn” in wider talks and warned of “catastrophic consequences” for coastal communities, and was a sell-out:
“This is a complete abandonment of our fishing fleets, when the industry should be benefiting from the opportunities presented by leaving the EU and the Common Fisheries Policy.
“I will now be looking to raise urgent questions with the Prime Minister and the Labour UK Government on the matter.”
MSP Demands Full Publication of Secret 12-Year UK-EU Fishing Deal
Karen Adam MSP called for the immediate publication of the full legal text of the UK Government’s new 12-year fisheries agreement with the European Union, which was agreed without any involvement from the Scottish Government.
The deal, struck behind closed doors, extends EU access to UK waters until 2038 and has sparked outrage in Scotland, particularly in coastal communities where fishing is a critical part of the economy and culture. The Scottish Government, despite fishing being a devolved matter, was completely excluded from the negotiations. The last three EFRA inter-ministerial meetings were cancelled by the UK Government ahead of the agreement.
Adams said:
“This deal was done in secret and the details are still being kept from the people it will affect the most. The full text of this 12-year agreement must be published now. It’s completely unacceptable for the UK Government to sign away access to Scotland’s waters without transparency, consent, or scrutiny.”
Adam, who represents Banffshire and Buchan Coast which is a key fishing constituency has condemned the decision as a repeat betrayal of the fishing industry by Westminster.
“This is a disgraceful betrayal of Scotland’s fishing industry. Once again, decisions have been made over our heads. There was no consultation, no input, and not even the courtesy of communication. A 12-year agreement, covering a devolved area, negotiated without Scotland at the table. It is utterly indefensible.”
“It’s clear the UK Government only cares about what matters to them, and Scotland’s fishers come last. We’re being treated as an afterthought, and our communities are the ones who will pay the price.”
The deal comes as part of a wider UK-EU policy reset, with no clear explanation yet provided about the specific terms for quota shares, access arrangements, or enforcement mechanisms. Stakeholders and devolved governments remain in the dark about the exact implications of the agreement.
Adam added:
“Scotland has some of the richest fishing grounds in Europe. Our communities should be thriving, not sidelined. The democratic deficit could not be more glaring. This isn’t a partnership, it’s power hoarding. The only way to protect our coastal industries and make decisions in our own interest is with full independence.”
“The stench of Boris Johnson’s bungled 2020 deal will linger over us for a generation” – Carmichael reacts
Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has responded to reports today that the government will extend EU fishing quotas in UK waters to 2038, labelling it “deeply disappointing”.
Media reports suggest that the UK’s willingness to extend EU fishing quotas to 2038 was the concession which resolved negotiations late last night. In return, the UK secured an agreement that the aspect of the deal reducing checks on food exports to the EU would stand alone rather than being tied to any future negotiations over fish.
Later today the government will also unveil a “fishing and coastal growth fund”, which will be £360 million of investment in coastal communities.
Mr Carmichael said:
“Reports that the government has rolled over current arrangements for fishing until 2038 are deeply disappointing. Fishermen were hoping for a reset after the incompetence of the previous Tory government in protecting fishing interests.
“Instead it seems that the stench of Boris Johnson’s bungled 2020 deal will linger over us for a generation. It is utterly shameless of the Tories to complain now about a deal which replicates exactly their own cackhanded agreement – they must think fishermen have short memories indeed.
“If there is a silver lining for fishermen it will be in easements for trade and stability for key export markets – but that is still far from the ‘sea of opportunity’ that was promised in the past. I fear Labour have not yet grappled with the sense of betrayal that is building in fishing communities.”
Critics say deal ignores Brexit opportunities
The government argues the wider agreement will benefit UK exporters and create long-term certainty. But in fishing communities, many of whom backed Brexit to escape the Common Fisheries Policy, there is deep frustration that those promises have not been honoured.
The Scottish Conservatives said they are the only party defending the interests of the fishing industry, warning that both Labour and the SNP are prepared to “sell them out” to Brussels.
With the original Brexit fisheries deal expiring next year, this new long-term arrangement will now define the next decade of access and quota arrangements in UK waters. For much of the fishing industry, it is a defining defeat — and one that may not be easily forgiven.
Cllr Alastair Redman – Independent Councillor for Kintyre and the Islands: Twelve More Years of Betrayal
Councillor Alastair Redman has condemned the recent UK-EU fishing agreement as a “national disgrace” and “cold, calculated betrayal” of Britain’s fishermen.
Redman criticised the Labour Government for surrendering a key post-Brexit bargaining chip—the expiry of automatic EU fishing access in 2026—in exchange for trade benefits, with no meaningful gains for British fishermen.
“The promise was simple: British waters for British fishermen. Instead, our coastal communities have been sold out,” he said. He highlighted the harsh reality faced by fishing towns from the Western Isles to the east coast, already struggling with rising costs, shrinking quotas, and bureaucratic hurdles.
This deal, he warned, “deepens the rot” and accelerates the loss of young talent from these communities. Redman accused the government of hypocrisy, pointing to foreign trawlers allowed to drag the seabed with little oversight while small, family-run vessels face crippling compliance costs.
“Labour talks about supporting working people, yet they’ve sold out some of the hardest-working people in Britain,” he said.
The councillor called for immediate and vocal opposition to the deal, urging elected representatives and community leaders to stand united in defence of Britain’s fishing industry.
“Our fishermen deserve a government that has their back, not one that hands over the keys to their future in an EU side deal.”
He concluded with a rallying call: “The tide is turning. Let this be the moment the coastal voice rises again. Britain’s fishing future is not for sale—and never should have been.”
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