MSP Maree Todd urges UK government to act over Brexit delays facing seafood exporters
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North politician Maree Todd has called on the UK government to take immediate action following reports that fish and seafood exporters are facing costly delays due to post-Brexit bureaucracy.
She is concerned about overnight delays leading to tonnes of perishable goods being wasted – and millions of pounds being lost – because of extensive red tape at ports.
Ms Todd, an SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “Many livelihoods in coastal communities across the Highlands are reliant on fisheries, which is why I am so deeply concerned to hear of the backlogs and delays currently experienced at various borders.
“We were promised ‘frictionless trade’ by the UK government, yet here we are, two weeks after Brexit, and one of our most valuable food exports is under threat.”
In 2018, it was estimated that fish and seafood exports were worth around £944 million to Scotland’s economy.
Ms Todd said industry experts such as the Communities Inshore Fisheries Alliance had described the situation as unacceptable and a threat to the livelihoods of those working in the fishing industry and its supply chains.
The trade and marketing body Seafood Scotland has also warned that “in a very short time, we could see the destruction of centuries-old market which contributes significantly to the Scottish economy”.
Ms Todd said: “Unfortunately, this debacle confirms what we already knew – Brexit will cause, and is causing, serious and lasting damage to jobs and businesses in the Highlands, at a time where unemployment is already soaring.
“The UK government must act immediately to rectify the issues at the border and ensure seamless trade for exporters.”
A UK government spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the industry to help understand and address the issues they are experiencing. The UK and French systems are working, but we are contacting exporters, their representatives and transporters to help them understand the requirements to keep their goods moving.
"It is vital that exporters check they have entered in details correctly and ensure that they have provided the transporter of the goods with the correct documentation."
