This bill began its passage through the Parliament in the House of Lords and will reach the Commons on the first week of September. I am already preparing my remarks in support of our fishing sector in Dartmouth, Brixham and Salcombe as well as across the rest of the country.
I have continued to engage with representatives of the fishing community over the course of the last 8 months. I am looking forward to standing up on their behalf and welcoming the Government’s steadfastness in supporting the fishing sector in the EU negotiations. This bill will usher in a new era of opportunity for our coastal communities.
On two side points;
- I am exploring options for a fishing competency course to be created here in South Devon. The only other such course is based in Scotland and since we have the most valuable port in England. It is high time we had the education and training facilities to accompany our ambitions for the future.
- Brixham’s port needs to be developed further. They have the plans and the space, now they need the financial support. When the Prime Minister visited Brixham last year he was presented with the plans by the Harbour Master and agreed this would be a fantastic opportunity to expand our fishing sector and increase the investment and value of Brixham. I of course agree wholeheartedly, and I will be leading a team to London in the Autumn to lobby ministers for support for our development proposals.