Kemi Badenoch has urged Sir Keir Starmer to meet with fishermen who are concerned that the UK’s trade agreement with the EU could spell disaster for their businesses.
The Conservative leader headed to Bridlington on Friday where she met with local fishermen. Many in the fishing industry have voiced criticism of Sir Keir’s deal with the EU, as it extends a post-Brexit arrangement by 12 years, allowing European fleets access to British waters.
Critics of this new agreement believe that this access, which is largely expected to benefit French fishermen, was granted in return for closer ties in trade, food and farming.
During her visit to East Yorkshire, Mrs Badenoch spoke of how the fishermen she met felt neglected by the Government.
“They’ve been telling me that Keir Starmer does not understand what they are going through. They could not believe it. They said they woke up one day and just heard that fishing rights have been given to Europe for 12 years,” she said.
The opposition leader also mentioned that some fishermen she spoke to were worried about the future of the industry, as their children did not want to follow in their footsteps.
“They cannot find staff. People would rather work at Tesco or be binmen than work on these vessels. And someone has to speak up for them. That’s why I’m here,” she said.
(Image: PA)
When asked what message she had for Sir Keir, the Tory leader responded: “I will tell him that he needs to come here and listen to the fishermen who I’ve just spoken to. They say this deal is going to kill them.
“They hate the fact that people think that they’re just a small industry that can just be pushed to the side. No one, from their perspective, is looking out for them.”
Ministers have maintained that the agreement will provide fishermen with long-term certainty, thanks to the 12-year deal.
Earlier in the week, Sir Keir disputed the “myth that next year everybody was free to do what they like” if the fishing deal had not been extended.
The Conservatives have argued that the Government should have pressed for annual negotiations on European access.
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