Thread by @GlennBBC

I interrupt the eating of chocolate and watching of movies to bring you some fishing news 🐟 #Brexit

Here is page 909 of the UK-EU trade deal granting “full access” to each others waters until 30 June 2026

Continued access is subject to changes in quota shares over time

For instance, the EU fleet’s 47% share of the North Sea cod catch in 2021, reduces to 43% by 2026

What happens from 2026?

The quota tables envisage 2026 shares continuing into the future

These seem to be subject to “annual consultations” and a possible review of the overall agreement after 4 years (presumably 2030)

Any further changes would need to be agreed by both sides

Otherwise, any restrictions placed on one side would entitle the other side to take “compensatory measures” including applying tariffs to fish imports

This creates a direct link between access to fishing waters and access to market for fish products — a principle the UK was determined to avoid

The EU side has of course given up quota share which it wanted to keep but not nearly as much as the UK fishing industry hoped

That is why @sff_uk has said it is “hugely disappointed” by the outcome, even if @BorisJohnson sees it as a “reasonable” compromise

He’s promising the fishing industry a £100m support package to ease their concerns

There is obviously much, much more in the agreement to pick over in the days ahead

Here is the full text, if you are between movies 🍿🎥 📖

ec.europa.eu/transparency/r…

There’s even more detail on the fishing arrangements here: google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.…