+UPDATE+
UK govt provided “false information” to British seafood & fishing industries based on misunderstanding of how EU 3rd country rules would apply to UK exporters.
Such a situation made it “impossible for industry to adequately prepare” even had they followed govt advice.
UK govt provided “false information” to British seafood & fishing industries based on misunderstanding of how EU 3rd country rules would apply to UK exporters.
Such a situation made it “impossible for industry to adequately prepare” even had they followed govt advice.
2/
It seems that only “this week” did the ministry responsible for fishing - DEFRA - confirm to UK fishing industry that exporting live catch from UK class B waters would now “no longer be possible”.
This was a full 5 weeks after UK left EU single market on 1st January 2021.
It seems that only “this week” did the ministry responsible for fishing - DEFRA - confirm to UK fishing industry that exporting live catch from UK class B waters would now “no longer be possible”.
This was a full 5 weeks after UK left EU single market on 1st January 2021.
3/
The misunderstanding appears to have risen as many in the British fishing industry believed UK govt advice instead of an official EU communication to the UK seafood industry body in December which gained less media traction.
The misunderstanding appears to have risen as many in the British fishing industry believed UK govt advice instead of an official EU communication to the UK seafood industry body in December which gained less media traction.
4/
When the UK fishing industry queried EU rules - claiming a ‘ban’ had now been “permanently imposed” - the EU had to send a letter to the UK industry body explaining the existing legal position.
This information ran counter to the information previously provided by UK govt.
When the UK fishing industry queried EU rules - claiming a ‘ban’ had now been “permanently imposed” - the EU had to send a letter to the UK industry body explaining the existing legal position.
This information ran counter to the information previously provided by UK govt.
5/
This explains the “late reaction” of UK seafood industry - who now believe much of the industry is “no longer viable” under existing EU regulations given UK’s recently acquired 3rd country status.
That’s not just UK trade with EU no longer viable - but the industry itself.
This explains the “late reaction” of UK seafood industry - who now believe much of the industry is “no longer viable” under existing EU regulations given UK’s recently acquired 3rd country status.
That’s not just UK trade with EU no longer viable - but the industry itself.
6/
This also explains many fishermen’s initial complacency as they had been informed by their industry body acting on govt advice that “not much would change” once teething issues solved.
It’s only in last 7 days that it’s become clear to many in industry that change permanent.
This also explains many fishermen’s initial complacency as they had been informed by their industry body acting on govt advice that “not much would change” once teething issues solved.
It’s only in last 7 days that it’s become clear to many in industry that change permanent.
7/
Normally such “misunderstandings” would be identified during parliamentary readings & select committee meetings...
...but as the deal was agreed only at Christmas and rushed through “without parliamentary scrutiny” the issue remained relatively little discussed publicly.
Normally such “misunderstandings” would be identified during parliamentary readings & select committee meetings...
...but as the deal was agreed only at Christmas and rushed through “without parliamentary scrutiny” the issue remained relatively little discussed publicly.
8/
There’s been a number of media reports that UK govt is taking this issue up with EU but unclear what effect this could have.
Seems unlikely EU will change its regulations soon.
Could EU offer something special for UK - a work-around perhaps?
Or maybe it’s just for show?
There’s been a number of media reports that UK govt is taking this issue up with EU but unclear what effect this could have.
Seems unlikely EU will change its regulations soon.
Could EU offer something special for UK - a work-around perhaps?
Or maybe it’s just for show?
9/
Most of this thread is based on reports or facts all freely available in multiple sources over the last 5 days.
But a good place to start is to look at this report and contact/read the industry bodies mentioned.
/ends
bbc.com/news/uk-wales-…
Most of this thread is based on reports or facts all freely available in multiple sources over the last 5 days.
But a good place to start is to look at this report and contact/read the industry bodies mentioned.
/ends
bbc.com/news/uk-wales-…
ADDENDUM
Another reason why UK perhaps not so well prepared for this is that the fisheries minister didn’t bother to read the trade deal as she was working on her local nativity play at the time.
joe.co.uk/news/fisheries…
Another reason why UK perhaps not so well prepared for this is that the fisheries minister didn’t bother to read the trade deal as she was working on her local nativity play at the time.
joe.co.uk/news/fisheries…
ADDENDUM II
@lewis_goodall detailed reporting Seafood industry at the Scottish Affairs Select Committee is very useful & interesting too.
@lewis_goodall detailed reporting Seafood industry at the Scottish Affairs Select Committee is very useful & interesting too.
https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1357292569512837121?s=20
ADDENDUM III
BBC reporting on this from 4 days ago:
"EU shellfish import ban indefinite, UK fishing industry told".
Yet the EU wrote to leading UK companies on 13 & 19 January to tell them current 3rd country arrangement would be in place indefinitely.
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…
BBC reporting on this from 4 days ago:
"EU shellfish import ban indefinite, UK fishing industry told".
Yet the EU wrote to leading UK companies on 13 & 19 January to tell them current 3rd country arrangement would be in place indefinitely.
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…
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