The door to European exports from the Hebrides has been opened again with an EU trade
set to send shellfish, salmon and lamb sales to the continent soaring, Torcuil Crichton
has said.
The Western Isles MP welcomed the conclusion of the trade talks which means that
major exports from the Western Isles can start flowing back into Europe.
Speaking after Prime Minister concluded talks with the EU, the MP for Na h-Eileanan
an Iar said: “This is a great deal for the islands and for Scotland on the whole.
Live shellfish exports, salmon and lamb sales to the continent were stifled by Brexit
paperwork. This deal means trade can start flowing again and we can begin to overcome
the barriers the Tories left for us.”
Mr Crichton added: “Many companies had simply given up on the European market because
of the complexity of selling there. This means we can start getting back that lost
revenue and sustain more jobs in rural areas.”
However, Scotland’s external affairs secretary Angus Robertson slammed the UK Government
for shutting out the Scottish Government in the negotiations,
In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Mr Robertson said the removal of obstacles
to food and agricultural exports, greater support for energy trading and the UK rejoining
the Erasmus exchange scheme for students, were all positive aspects of the UK-EU
agreement.
But he criticised the lack of consultation with the Scottish Government on key aspects
of the deal, particularly on fishing.
He said: “The Scottish Government welcomes the agreement as it represents long-overdue
momentum in rebuilding our relationship with the European Union.
“But no agreement can deliver the economic, social and security benefits we lost
with Brexit in 2020.
“We argued for an ambitious package in the interests of people and businesses across
Scotland, and there are some positive indicators here, including the agriculture,
food and drink agreement which will reduce market barriers; and enhanced cooperation
on energy and climate, and a clear intention to rejoin the Erasmus exchange programme.
“The fact that this agreement – not least on fisheries – was reached without the
explicit engagement of the devolved governments on the negotiation detail is not
just an affront to devolution, it has put at risk, and will continue to put at risk,
the benefits of any commitments for the people of Scotland.”
He added: “We still believe Scotland’s best future lies as an independent country
within the European Union but we will engage constructively and positively in the
next phase of negotiations. We also hope to see the UK Government work collaboratively
with devolved governments in developing its priorities – as the EU does with its
Member States.”
The deal will slash red tape for seafood and salmon exports which account for hundreds
of jobs in the Western Isles where the inshore fleet concentrates on shellfish landings.
It will open the EU market again to live bi-valve molluscs like mussels which are
grown in the islands.
Lamb exports including from the Western Isles can again be sold to Europe under standardise
food production rules.
The ban on raw sausage sales will be lifted (including, presumably, Stornoway black
pudding).
Torcuil Crichton said: “Far from being the ‘nightmare’ deal that the powerful white
fish industry predicted this agreement on fishing quotas is a good deal in the round.
“I welcome the announcement of a £360 million coastal fund and I’ve already impressed
on Steve Reed, the Cabinet Secretary for fisheries, that the money must reach all
parts of the UK. This is an opportunity to re-set fisheries so that quota and catching
power is distributed to all parts of the country and not concentrated in the hands
of the wealthy few.”
UK-EU deal is a win for Western Isles says MP
21 May 2025
