Shannon secures ministerial compliance to visit Strangford fishing fleet following Westminster debate
Strangford MP Jim Shannon has secured a significant result for the Northern Ireland fishing sector after extracting a direct commitment from the Fisheries Minister to visit local fishing communities.
The breakthrough follows an impassioned intervention by the DUP MP during last week’s critical Westminster Hall debate on Government support for the fishing industry.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Shannon confronted the Minister over escalating operational threats facing the local fleet, most notably the devastating impact of recent Isle of Man visa rule changes which have “deeply disturbed” crews by restricting traditional access to Manx waters.
Rather than allowing the Government to rely on generic assurances, the Strangford MP issued a direct challenge to the frontbench, inviting the Minister to come to Northern Ireland, stand on the piers, and hear firsthand from the families whose livelihoods are on the line.
In a major victory for the local industry, the Minister agreed to the visit.
Commenting after securing the ministerial visit, Jim Shannon MP said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Minister has accepted my invitation to visit our fishing communities.
“For too long, decisions have been made in the sterile corridors of Whitehall by people who have never set foot on a trawler or looked a struggling skipper in the eye.
“Bringing the Minister directly to the ground is a massive result, and it is exactly what our fleet needs.
“Our fishing industry is the historic, economic, and cultural lifeblood of coastal communities such as Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel.
“These fishermen are facing a perfect storm. They are battling the long-term fallout of the 12-year EU water access deal, crippling fuel costs, and a highly restrictive skilled worker visa regime.
“To make matters worse, the recent immigration and transit visa changes regarding Isle of Man waters have introduced an unbearable level of uncertainty, effectively cutting off our vessels from fishing grounds they have lawfully worked for generations.”
Jim Shannon added: “I made the Minister aware, in no uncertain terms, that we need more than warm words… we need a productive dialogue and immediate, co-ordinated action between the Home Office, DEFRA, and the devolved executives to save our industry.
“Now that I have secured this commitment, I will be holding the Minister’s feet to the fire to ensure this visit happens without delay.
“I want the Minister to look at the sheer resilience of our local Fish Producers’ Organisations and see exactly why this fleet is worth fighting for.
“We have secured the opening; now we must secure the policy changes needed to safeguard the future of British fishing.”
