In the House of Commons, James supported the government efforts to lift the EU’s ban on the import of unpurified shellfish and called for contingency measures to support the industry in King’s Lynn and elsewhere.
The government today wrote to the European Commission following its announcement that it does not consider the export of UK unpurified live bivalve shellfish to be permitted.
Speaking in the House of Commons, James said:
“This arbitrary action by the European Commission is causing real concern in fishing communities who have already suffered losses from export disruption and I urge the Secretary of State to confirm details of the compensation scheme.
While I support strongly the efforts to have this ban lifted but will he also put in place contingency plans now to support fishing firms in King’s Lynn and elsewhere with grants for purification facilities?”
In response the Rt Hon George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs said:
“As well as looking to unblock this problem with the Commission, to resume this trade which is obviously our first and most important objective. We are considering other options and interventions we might make to help the industry adapt should the EU permanently change its position.”
Last month the government announced a £23 million scheme to support fishermen and seafood exporters who experienced delays following new requirements for exporting.
This fund reflects the unique circumstances of the fishing sector, which has had the most significant new requirements to adjust to, and for whom even a short delay can lead to goods perishing.
The Secretary of State's letter to the EU Commission can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trade-in-live-bivalve-mollus…
His statement in Parliament can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/uk-shellfish-exports-environment…
