Keir Starmer and Labour are once again preparing to bend the knee to Brussels – and it seems that this time, British fishing rights are on the chopping block. Deeply concerning reports suggest Labour is considering giving long-term access to our waters to EU trawlers, undermining one of the core wins of Brexit. Be in no doubt, if Labour concedes year-round rights to foreign boats, it would be a shocking betrayal of our coastal communities and a gift countries like France and the Netherlands at the expense of our own citizens, and our jobs.
The Conservatives have been clear that we will never stand idbly by while Labour sells out our sovereignty.
That’s why we’ve set out five clear tests for any deal this government might try to strike over our territorial waters, tests we will hold the government to at every step of the way.
This should be fundamental, and not up for debate. British waters belong to British fishermen. As an independent coastal state, we must have exclusive access to our 0–12 nautical mile zone. We must not be tied into any multi-year agreement that hands the advantage to foreign fleets while our boats are left tied up in port. Quotas must reflect reality—not Brussels bureaucracy—and threats and demands from abroad cannot be allowed to override our national interest.
These are not just theoretical tests, but serious matters for our fishing communities – from those in Dorset who regularly watch French and Dutch trawlers eyeing up their waters to those in Scotland who fear seeing their quotas eroded in favour of Brussels.
These tests are not just Conservative values, the principles on which we stand up against Labour, but are also the values of those who work every day to feed our nation and protect our seas. The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations has already backed our position, making clear that only the Conservatives stand with our fishing industry.
The British people voted to take back control. The Conservatives delivered Brexit, and we will defend it—on land, at sea, and at every summit table.