Ruth Davidson has reacted to today’s agreement on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The Scottish Conservative leader said she would not support a deal which fails to deliver the long-term aims of Scotland’s fishing industry.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:
“During these negotiations, we wanted to gain control over our waters from as early as the end of next year.
“The EU was not willing to move on this. That we now have to wait until 2020 to assume full control is an undoubted disappointment.
“Having spoken to fishing leaders today, I know they are deeply frustrated with this outcome.
“There is no ignoring the fact that this falls short of what they had hoped for in the short-term.
“I’ve made clear to them that I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure their interests are protected during the implementation period and beyond.
“Any attempt by the EU to use the implementation period to weaken their hand would be a breach of the agreement.
“Over the long-term, today's agreement makes clear that, from 2020, the UK will be an independent coastal state, deciding who can access our waters and on what terms.
“I am more determined than ever to ensure that this long-term prize for our fishing industry is seized.
“So I should make it clear today that I will not support a deal as we leave the EU which, over the long-term, fails to deliver that full control over fish stocks and vessel access.”