The UK government's proposed funding package for Scotland's fishing industry has been denounced as "an insult" by the Scottish Government's Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon.
Holyrood vote on funding dispute
Ahead of a crucial vote at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, the SNP minister is calling on MSPs from all parties to unite against the decision. She is urging them to formally agree that Scotland deserves a significantly larger portion of the UK's Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.
The political row ignited after the UK government confirmed its allocation, designating just £28 million for Scotland from the total fund of £360 million. This figure represents only 7.78% of the available money.
A "completely unjustifiable" allocation
Ms Gougeon labelled the proposed funding as "unacceptable" and "completely unjustifiable", pointing to Scotland's dominant role in the UK's fishing sector. She emphasised that Scotland is responsible for more than 60% of the UK's total fishing capacity and seafood exports.
"Scotland accounts for more than 60% of the UK's fishing capacity - yet this UK Labour government thinks it is acceptable to give us just 7.78% of the funding," the MSP stated. "It is an insult to the sector in Scotland."
She drew a stark comparison with the pre-Brexit era, noting, "As part of the EU, Scotland received 46% of the funding allocated to the UK." She accused Westminster of using Brexit to orchestrate a "cash grab for the sector south of the border."
Financial impact and political challenge
The consequences of this funding model are severe. The UK government's decisions on this replacement funding could leave Scotland over £100 million worse off compared to previous arrangements.
Ms Gougeon has issued a direct challenge to Scottish Labour, asking, "Will they stand up for a crucial Scottish industry and its workforce or will they once again stand up for Keir Starmer?"
She concluded by calling for parliamentary unity, stating, "Today, our parliament can unite to make clear that this is a completely unacceptable insult and to demand that the UK government provide a fair deal for Scotland."
In response, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) defended the fund, saying, "This fund will revitalise the fishing sector and coastal communities right across the UK, spurring growth as part of our plan for change." They added that supporting devolved governments would help get the money "to where it's most needed."
