North East MSP Christian Allard has said the Scottish National Party’s success in the European elections is a victory for the fishing industry in Scotland.
His comments follow the party gaining the largest share of the Scottish vote in last week’s European elections - the nationalist’s won two of the available six seats in Scotland.
The SNP’s two newly elected MEPs Ian Hudghton and Alyn Smith have pledged to fight for maximum decision making powers on fishing to be returned to Scotland and for the EU to fully support innovations pioneered by the Scottish fleet and to stand up for the needs of our fishing industry in Europe.
Mr Allard is backing the SNP MEPs to stand up for Scotland’s fishermen in Europe and to protect the interests of the industry that is important to communities in the North East and the wider economy.
Commenting, Christian Allard MSP said: “I am delighted that the SNP has won the popular vote in Scotland. This is a victory for the Scottish fishing industry.
“Westminster Governments are still letting down Scotland’s fishing communities, with Scotland receiving less than half of the UK’s European Fisheries Fund allocation despite 87% of UK landings by value coming ashore in Scotland.
“Scotland’s fishing industry needs a strong voice in Europe and the two SNP MEPs that have been elected will work hard to deliver this.
“Building on this victory a Yes vote in September will make sure that the fishing industry is treated as a priority in Scotland’s EU negotiations.”
