As migrants head for the UK, disruption to the Channel Tunnel continues and the Scottish seafood industry has raised concerns about the impact of delays on their businesses.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney is calling on the UK government to take action to prioritise fresh produce being exported to the continent.
“The reality is that this is a complex situation which requires a multi-agency response involving both UK and French authorities,” he said. “As well as addressing the immediate issue around getting vehicles and exports moving again, we also need a long term strategy which responds to the human and humanitarian issue around migration.”
Meanwhile SNP MSP Christian Allard has written to French President François Hollande appealing for action to end damage and disruption, calling for the French government to protect HGV drivers and secure safe passage of fresh produce.
Mr Allard says he has heard from a number of fish processors in Peterhead and Fraserburgh, and warns that protesters actions are damaging the wrong people.
“The protesting French farmers’ actions have destroyed large quantities of seafood carried by Scottish haulage companies,” said Mr Allard. “I understand fish was landed in Scotland by French fishermen working on French trawlers and this fish was sent by road to be processed by French processors in France. It is an absurd situation.”
“The relationship between the Scottish fish processing industry and our colleagues in Europe has always been good but recent events have tested this – no guarantees can be given regarding delivery dates leading to frustration as loads upon loads of produce is rejected or accepted at reduced prices,” added Will Clark of the Scottish Seafood Association.
“We are also beginning to lose market share as the Europeans look for alternative supplies to fill in the gaps as we cannot guarantee delivery due to the ongoing migrant situation. I urge all concerned to take note at what irreversible damage is being afflicted upon the Scottish processing industry,” he concluded.
