Written question asked by Lord Hay of Ballyore (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 12 November 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 November 2020. It was answered by Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 November 2020 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fisheries

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with (1) the Netherlands, (2) Sweden, and (3) Iceland, about future access to British fishing stocks.

Answer

Negotiations are ongoing for a fisheries framework agreement with the EU. To date there have been no direct discussions with the Netherlands or Sweden around future access to British fishing stocks.

In the negotiations, we have been clear throughout that we want a simple, separate fisheries framework agreement which reflects our rights under international law and which provides for annual negotiations over access and fishing opportunities. Any access negotiated with the EU will only cover the UK's exclusive economic zone and not the 0-12nm zone. This remains the case.

On 11 November, the UK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iceland to enhance cooperation on fisheries matters. The MoU, which will come into effect on 1 January 2021, establishes a UK-Iceland Fisheries Dialogue whereby both countries can share best practice and cooperate on a range of issues, including product innovation and the traceability and marketing of seafood products. This MoU does not provide for fishing opportunities or access to either party's waters.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL10289
Session: 2019-21
Subjects: Fisheries Sweden Iceland Netherlands
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Fisheries

Secondary information

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