Laura Sandys, MP for South Thanet, has today welcomed the High Court’s decision to overrule the UK Association of Fish Producer Organisation’s challenge regarding the allocation of unused fishing quota to small-scale fisherman.
The UAFPO argued that by allocating the quota to smaller fisherman, this would be discriminatory under domestic and EU law. However the High Court rejected this challenge and said that no discrimination would be present.
Laura said: “This absolutely confirms that larger vessels do not own the fishing quota and this is a real triumph for Thanet’s fisherman. I am thrilled that the High Court has overturned the Association’s decision, and that there should never been any question over the Government allocating the quota. I commend the hard work of the Fisheries Minister in helping to bring about this much needed change and for his ongoing support for Thanet’s fisherman. This is yet another victory for the Government getting to grips with the problems facing inshore fisherman like those in Thanet.”