Every Conservative MP in the Humber region voted against a key amendment on the Fisheries Bill that would have created more jobs in coastal towns on the Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire coast. The Jobs in Coastal Communities amendment to the Fisheries Bill, which was passed in the Lords with cross-party support, would have ensured that at least two-thirds of fish caught in British waters would be landed in British ports.
Labour voted in favour of the amendment, calling on the Government to do more to support coastal communities. It was hoped that landing more fish in UK ports would strengthen the economic link between commercial fishing and ports. Increased seafood landings in British ports would bring more jobs and investment to coastal communities.
Luke Pollard MP, Shadow Environment Secretary, who visited Hull and Grimsby in August to meet those in the industry, said: “Coastal communities have seen declining wages and job opportunities under this Government. More fish landed in UK ports would bring more job opportunities, not only in catching fish – but in processing, delivery and engineering industries. It’s clear that under this Government, fishing and coastal communities aren’t getting a fair deal.”