We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Brexit Party Chairman Richard Tice argued the EU needs to cave to the demands of the UK on fish in the Brexit trade deal talks. During an interview with Express.co.uk, Mr Tice claimed the fact the fish reside in the UK’s waters mean the EU cannot expect to get the same treatment as when Britain was a member of the European Union. The Brexit Party chairman reflected on the importance of the fishing industry to those who live and work on the coasts in addition to Brexiteers across the country.

He said: “To put in context, for every one job at sea there are seven of eight jobs onshore.

“These jobs happen and would be created in some of the most deprived areas and who need the greatest regeneration around our coast.

“It is a huge opportunity and we must not be tempted to give it away to secure a trade deal.

“These are separate issues, these are our waters and we must take back full control and maximise this Brexit opportunity.”

READ MORE: Brexit news:Michel Barnier ‘losing French charm’ as reality derails EU

No fishing deal has yet being agreed between the EU and the UK, but Mr Tice claimed Britain could deal with the bloc very simply.

Mr Tice said: “We would deal with the EU very simply, by saying that fishing is off the table.

“Under the political declaration of the future arrangements, it said the UK and the EU have to try to agree terms on a new fishing deal by July.

“If you can’t agree, you can’t agree.

“We were always going to take back our fishing waters, it is absolutely critical that we do that.”

Mr Tice insisted because the UK is a sovereign state and the fishing waters are part of the UK, the EU must give in to the countries demands.

He said: “We want a deal where we have a simple set of arrangements where we assess the deal and look at how we allow licences and quotas on a yearly basis, not dissimilar to what countries like Norway do and other independent nations.

“So that yes there can be some access for EU boats but it is on our terms and we need to be able to assess it.”

MEP admits member states could follow Brexit Britain’s lead [INSIGHT]
Brexit talks breakthrough: Liz Truss reveals prosperous future for UK [VIDEO]
Brussels insider names the three countries plotting EXITS [ANALYSIS]

Mr Tice also noted the fishing issue was important for Brexiteers for more than just economic reasons.

He said: “It not only key for the jobs and the regeneration of entire coastal areas but it also emotionally important.

“As a maritime trading nation, fishing is part of our heritage.

“People feel very strongly about it and want to make sure we get that benefit.”

Source: Read Full Article