“The UK Government is taking the actions of Iceland and the Faroes very seriously. They are behaving irresponsibly and are undermining the sustainability of the stock on which our fishermen depend, which is in no one’s interests.
As the UK Fisheries Minister I am working with the Minister for Europe and the European Commission, who I know share my concerns, to explore all available options to find a solution that is fair for our fishermen and which keeps the mackerel stock on a sustainable basis.
We need a long term agreement with all relevant countries and I will meet with industry representatives and the Scottish Government to discuss the UK position on this issue in the autumn negotiations.”