Defra has helped unify the fight to get the best deal from Europe for the UK’s fish industry following a meeting today with Defra ministers and ministers from the devolved administrations.
The meeting was held to discuss the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy and discuss how to best work together on relevant EU issues.
UK environment secretary, Caroline Spelman said: “Although within the UK we will have differences about how we approach certain policies at times, it’s important that the rest of Europe hears one voice from the UK when we are involved in negotiations on issues which are fundamental to our fishing and farming industries and to the health of our environment.
“I was delighted to hear colleagues from the Devolved Administration say today that they recognise the importance of us all working positively together".
Defra Ministers began Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) negotiations on behalf of the UK at the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council last week, following the publication of reform proposals by the European Commission. The UK wants deep and genuine reform of the CAP in order to deal with the future challenges of international food security and protecting wildlife and biodiversity.
