Seafood businesses on 'brink of collapse' after Brexit bottleneck, warns Highland MSP
North politician Maree Todd has warned that the Brexit export bottleneck is leaving some businesses on the "brink of collapse".
The Highlands and Islands SNP MSP warned of the "devastating impact" on fish and seafood firms across the region that have struggled to get their produce into vital European Union markets since the turn of the year.
She pointed out that after a deal was struck with the EU on Christmas Eve, businesses across the country were given a matter of days’ notice to prepare for the end of the transition period on December 31. Fish and seafood exporters in Scotland have reportedly been losing more than £1 million a day in overseas sales because of delays caused by red tape and trade barriers.
The Scottish Government is calling for urgent compensation to be provided to affected businesses, for processes to be streamlined and for the UK government to formally seek a grace period with the European Union.
Ms Todd said: “I have been inundated with emails from fish and seafood exporters across the Highlands who are now on the brink of collapse. Having grown up in Ullapool, I understand the devastating impact these delays will be having on businesses and livelihoods that depend on fisheries as a source of income.

“I have written to both Michael Gove [Cabinet Office minister] and George Eustice [UK secretary for environment, food and rural affairs] to communicate the realities of their extreme Brexit deal on my constituents in the Highlands.
“Had the UK government agreed a six-month grace period with the EU like the Scottish Government pushed for, a smoother transition could have taken place and this situation could have been avoided.
“What we’re seeing now is a once thriving and lucrative industry literally being left out to rot.”
Calling for substantial financial support for the sector, Ms Todd added: "The UK government has announced that a mere £23 million in compensation for the whole of the UK is forthcoming. To put that in perspective, the Scottish Government delivered £23.5 million to the Scottish sector alone in response to Covid-19 last year.
“The Scottish Government was not consulted on this funding package and is yet to see its full details, but it appears that not all businesses will be covered, such as fishing vessels that land but don’t export directly.
“It is crucial that the Prime Minister steps up with a substantial compensation package which covers all businesses immediately. Right now, we’re seeing no sense of urgency from the UK government in getting financial support into the hands of fish and seafood exporters.
“The Tories made this Brexit mess and they must fix it.”