Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, has urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to meet with fishermen in Bridlington who are concerned that the UK’s trade deal with the EU could jeopardise their livelihoods.
During her visit to the town accompanied by Bridlington MP Charles Dewhirst, Mrs Badenoch spoke with local fishermen who expressed their fears that the deal, which extends access for EU fleets to British waters for an additional 12 years, would be detrimental to their industry.
Critics and workers within the fishing sector argue that the agreement primarily benefits French fishermen, raising concerns over the long-term implications for British fisheries. Many fishermen conveyed their feelings of being overlooked by the Government, with some stating they felt abandoned after waking up to the news of the extended fishing rights.
“They believe Sir Keir Starmer does not grasp the realities they face. This deal, they say, is set to devastate their businesses,” Mrs Badenoch remarked. She highlighted that fishermen worry their children may not want to continue in the industry due to the uncertain future.
As part of her visit several local fishermen spoke with Kimi, venting their frustration. She was also invited aboard H37 Genesis which is a shell boat owned by Neil Robson.
Despite government assurances that the agreement provides security, the discontent among fishermen persists. Sir Keir Starmer has previously countered criticisms, stating that the situation is more complex than it appears. The Conservatives maintain that the government should have pursued annual negotiations on fishing access.
