Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell MP raised the matter of the replacement of the Common Fisheries Policy in the House of Commons recently.  He emphasised that different ports will have different priorities. North Shields supports an inshore fishing fleet with prawns the main fishery. This makes protection of the 12 mile limit crucial to the economic health of the quay and fishermen.  

He also raised concerns regarding the export of prawns. He said, “North shields exports 95% of the prawns landed to the continent.  The prawns are not processed or frozen, they have five days from being landed on the quayside to get onto the table.  At present the MMO issues around 300 certificates to export to non-EU countries.  If every lorry that goes to France, Spain or Italy requires a certificate it is estimated that 21,000 certificates would be needed, this would be a disaster for the prawn industry in North Shields.”

He asked the Minister what plan the Government has when we exit the Common Fisheries Policy.