MPs and peers with a keen interest in the UK fishing industry have announced a new programme of activity for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on fisheries to encourage discussions about the future of the industry and to promote UK fishing.
Co-chaired by Conservative MP Sheryll Murray and Labour's Melanie Onn MP, the APPG will now welcome fishermen, fishing representatives, academics, environmentalists and others into its non-parliamentary membership for the first time.
Co-chair Sheryll Murray MP said that it was wonderful to see the industry getting serious recognition "as a food-provider, an employer and a vital part of our culture."
Melanie Onn MP added: "With fish processing being such a huge employer in my constituency, Great Grimsby, I was delighted to join Sheryll as a co-chair of the group, and I'm now even more thrilled that we have the chance to broaden our discussions and welcome a new type of membership."
The group’s programme of open activity will commence in spring, with events scheduled around key themes of interest to fishing, processing and coastal communities, including discussions on Brexit. The issue of recruitment into fishing careers takes centre stage for the first public event, to be held on 7 May.
