Trawler Men Need an English Minister

We welcome the call by the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) for an English Minister for Fisheries to protect their fishing rights.

Background

On December 23, 2016, Fisheries Minister George Eustice announced that a portion of England’s fishing quotas would be transferred to Scotland following the vote to leave the European Union (EU). This decision removed the quota to catch 1,500 tonnes of fish from the Humberside-based Fish Producers Organisation and handed it to Scottish authorities.

Response from the Workers of England Union

After hearing George Eustice’s decision, Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union, stated:

“The Workers of England Union has continually stated that the British government is treating English workers badly in its attempt to placate Scottish nationalists. The British government will sell out English industries. Only English Ministers overseeing industries working within a devolved administration can protect jobs across England.”

He continued:

“The Workers of England Union supports the concerns highlighted by the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) when it pointed out that:

‘Devolved administrations have their individual ministers to speak up for them, but English industry has no such champion and we urgently need one.’

Protecting English Industries

It is abundantly clear the British government won’t protect English industries. What industry in England will be sold out next to appease Scottish self-interest? Maybe yours!

We must defend workers’ rights across England before English industry is completely destroyed.

The first step must be to protect jobs by not giving contracts, quotas and business opportunities unfairly away to other administrations. That is why we call for an English First Minister.

We urge our members to help us demand Ministers for English industries.”

Stephen Morris
General Secretary
Workers of England Union

Related Articles

• Protecting English Fishing Rights
• Proposals for an English Fisheries Minister