STRONG VOICE FOR SCOTLAND'S FISHERIES 'MORE NECESSARY THAN EVER'.

STRONG VOICE FOR SCOTLAND'S FISHERIES 'MORE NECESSARY THAN EVER'.

‘FISHING IS INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE’

SNP President and European candidate, Ian Hudghton today (Wednesday) vowed
to continue the SNP’s 30 year fight for Scotland’s fishing communities, if
returned to the European Parliament at the European election.

Mr Hudghton said figures released last week - which show expansion in the
fishing industry – are evidence of the sector’s continued importance to
the Scottish economy but warned a strong Scottish voice was more necessary
than ever as Europe geared up to rewrite the Common Fisheries Policy.

Speaking from Musselburgh, where he was visiting a fish merchant whose
business rates have been abolished by the SNP Scottish Government, Mr
Hudghton said:

“From fishermen in Scotland’s ports to the small fishmongers and all the
other business which contribute to this vital sector, the SNP is the only
party who will speak for the Scottish fisheries industry in Europe.

“Figures out last week show that the number of people employed in the
fishing has increased in the last year and the total catch of the Scottish
fleet is up by 3%. Despite its long history in Scotland, the fishing
industry also represents our future and that is a future we will protect.

"The European Commission has acknowledged that top-down micro-management
of Scotland's rich fishing grounds has failed our fishing communities and
damaged fish stocks but there is still a long way to go to ensure genuine
decision-making is returned to Scotland and our historic fishing
opportunities are protected.

“As the Europe gears up to reform the Common Fisheries Policy, this
election is an opportunity to vote for a strong voice for Scotland’s
coastal communities and a chance for a real future for Scotland’s
fisheries.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead MSP, who accompanied
Ian Hudghton as he campaigned in Musselburgh added:

"Protecting Scotland's jobs is at the heart of the SNP's European agenda.

“This election is an opportunity for Scotland’s fishing communities to
make their voice heard as Europe reforms the CFP and to make clear that it
is Scottish control of Scotland’s seas that will deliver jobs for the
future.

“A vote for the SNP on June 4th is a vote for Scotland’s vital fishing
industries and the jobs it supports.”