A POLL has revealed widespread public support in the South of Scotland for UK control of fishing amid crunch EU talks.
The survey reveals many Scots believe Brussels must offer benefits to fishing in return for access to our waters.
It was commissioned by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and ahead of a UK-EU Summit on May 19 in London, with fishing a high priority for the EU due to its disproportionate dependence on UK waters.
EU vessels catch £450-£500 million worth of fish annually in UK waters, compared with £75 million caught by UK vessels in EU waters.
But the poll reveals that 87 per cent of people believe the UK should have full powers over which fleets fish in the UK EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), with just 3.2 per cent disagreeing.
That number rises to 91 per cent in the South of Scotland.
Elspeth Macdonald, federation chief executive, said: “These results send a strong signal to negotiators in Westminster and Brussels. The Scottish public are crystal clear – our fishing industry must not be sold short again.
“During the last negotiations, access to our waters was given away too freely and we saw precious little in return. That cannot happen again.
“This poll confirms that Scots understand the value of fishing to our economy, our coastal communities and our national food security – and they expect their governments to stand up for those interests.”
