The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation is demanding that a joint legal opinion be given by the Law Officers of the Scottish and UK Governments on the legality of the Scottish government proposals on fishing quotas and licences.
The move is being made so as to achieve the very necessary clarity on the Scottish Government’s proposals for a separate quota and licensing system for Scotland.
The issue is currently out for consultation by the Scottish Government; its legality was immediately and publicly challenged by the UK government. The SFF is unable to make a constructive response until it has received a joint opinion from the law officers of both Governments as to who has got it right.
Bertie Armstrong, SFF chief executive, said: “We have one Government saying black and the other white on the issue of arrangements for Scottish quota management. This is making it extremely difficult for the Scottish industry to formulate a reasonable response to the consultation.
“It is unfortunate that this spat between the UK and Scottish Governments has come at a time when we are as an industry are contending with the impact of the global recession, combined with a range of complex discussions on matters of immediate consequence such as effort control, which need cross-border co-operation.
“We will be writing this week to the Scottish and UK Fisheries Ministers Richard Lochhead and Huw Irranca-Davies requesting that a joint legal opinion be prepared on this very important issue.”
Commenting on the SFF's demand, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:
"Liberal Democrats have been questioning the legality of some of the SNP's proposals since they emerged last year. The SNP have repeatedly failed to address this issue. Having made no headway in representations behind the scenes, it has now reached the point where SFF have felt it necessary to call for a joint legal opinion on behalf of both Governments.
"It is not in the interests of the Scottish fishing industry for it to be treated like a political football by either the UK or Scottish Government. Ministers in both Edinburgh and London must now respond positively and urgently to this call from the SFF."
