Scots stake claims in Europe
During today's fisheries debate at Holyrood Mr Lochhead will reiterate the recommendations made by the Smith Commission that stronger arrangements should be put in place to properly involve Scottish Ministers in representing the UK in the European Union.
He will also outline Scotland’s key priorities ahead of the Council meeting, including the importance of the first stage of discard ban, which will come into force in January.
Speaking ahead of the debate, he said: “Following on from the Smith Commission recommendations the UK Government must keep their promise to fully involve Scottish Ministers in the development of the UK position.
“It is still our view that Scotland should lead on fisheries negotiations, when it is appropriate to do so, given Scotland has the predominant UK interest in many areas of fisheries management.
“We cannot have a situation arise again in future where Scottish fishing interests – including the fishing fleet, our coastal communities and wider seafood sectors - are not given the strongest possible voice, where Scotland’s Fisheries Minister is forced to watch as a less experienced junior UK Minister is drafted in at the last minute to lead on important discussions affecting Scotland’s fishing industry."
