VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Fishing Vessels: Territorial Waters

Asked by Lee AndersonReform UKDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 19 September 2025UIN 70981

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make it his policy to ban foreign supertrawlers from UK waters.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The UK is committed to protecting our marine environment and ensuring sustainable fisheries. We are taking action through Marine Protected Area management and Fisheries Management Plans, which apply to all vessels in UK waters.

Any policy changes must be evidence-based and consistent with our international obligations, including the non-discrimination provisions of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

We continue to monitor fishing activity closely and will act where there is evidence of harm or non-compliance.

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