[ad_1]
The Telegraph
Negotiators deny Boris Johnson ‘exhausted’ fishing in Brexit deal
UK officials have responded to claims that Boris Johnson “sold” the fishing industry in his Brexit deal with the European Union. Mr. Johnson was also accused by Nicola Sturgeon of sacrificing fishing rights to obtain concessions on other issues. A senior member of the UK negotiating team accepted that fish had been “one of the areas where we had to reach a compromise” but said that “both parties” had made concessions. “The crucial thing in fisheries policy is that, although there is a transition, at the end of the transition it returns to normal arrangements and we have full control over our waters,” the official said. “There is a transition to that point and ideally we would have gotten out a little bit quicker, but the place we come to is acceptable and offers short-term gains for the fishing industry and a huge right to control everything and work within that after this five. and a “half-year transition.” Officials from the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organizations (NFFO) said Johnson had only secured “a fraction of what the UK is entitled to under international law.” Barrie Deas, head of the organization, said that “Inevitably it will be seen by the fishing industry as a defeat.” “When the moment came to push, despite the legal, moral and political force of our case, the fishing was sacrificed for other national goals, “he said.” Lacking legal, moral or political influence in the fish negotiations, the EU made the entire trade deal dependent on a UK surrender on the fish. esca “. In the end, the prime minister made the call and gave in to the fish, despite rhetoric and assurances that he would not do what Ted Heath did in 1973. “The agreement, published on December 26, introduces a transition period five and a half years, during which the EU will return 25% of its current catch in UK waters. After the transition period, the fishing rights will be renegotiated annually. Criticism from the industry came when Mr. Johnson was attacked by Ms Sturgeon for the effect of the agreement on Scottish fishermen.
