Seafood businesses from Oban to Islay counting the cost of Brexit

This morning I took part in a Westminster Hall debate on the ‘Fisheries Management after the UK’s departure from the EU’ and spoke about the direct impact of Brexit on four businesses across Argyll & Bute – Easdale Seafoods at Balvicar on Seil, Islay Crab Exports, Lochfyne Langoustine in Tarbert, and Jonathan McAllister’s fishing business based in Oban.

All of these businesses are reporting huge losses, logistical nightmares, a shortage of staff and continual worry over their future viability. They are also still waiting for a share of the £100 million post-Brexit package for the fishing industry the UK Government promised in January.

The UK Government promised a ‘sea of opportunity’, but the reality is Brexit has been a disaster and these companies have been hit by increased costs, increased paperwork and other red-tape, falling prices and a very uncertain future.

You can hear my speech here: