Stephen Morgan Promises Closer Industry Engagement

Responding for the Government, Fisheries Minister Stephen Morgan used his first fisheries debate since taking office to emphasise his commitment to engaging directly with fishermen, producers and seafood businesses.

Having grown up in a coastal community and now representing Portsmouth South, Morgan said he understood the significance of fishing communities.

“Fishing is not just an industry, and fishermen are not just businessmen; they and their industry are economically, socially and culturally important to the vitality of many coastal communities across the United Kingdom,” he told MPs.

The minister also paid tribute to those who have lost their lives at sea and recognised the dangers faced by fishing crews.

“We must not lose sight of the fact that fishing communities contend with really tough and dangerous working conditions,” he said. “The work to improve safety across the industry remains essential.”

Morgan repeatedly stressed the importance of working directly with the sector.

“I strongly believe in working with those in industry who best know the solutions and how to deliver lasting change, so I will be listening to and working with the industry,” he said.

The minister revealed he had already met representatives of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and said the discussions had provided “valuable insights into the opportunities presented to the fishing industry and the solutions to some of the challenges.”

In response to invitations from MPs, Morgan also committed to visiting fishing communities around the UK.

“I look forward to getting out on the quayside, accepting the invitation from the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East and engaging with fish markets and processing facilities to hear at first hand what fishermen and those working across the supply chain have to say about our world-class fish and seafood,” he said.

 
Sustainability and Industry Growth Must Go Hand in Hand

Morgan argued that future policy must balance economic success with environmental stewardship.

“At the heart of this is a recognition that for the fishing industry to thrive, it has to be environmentally, economically and socially sustainable,” he said.

The minister acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change, pressure on fish stocks, marine spatial planning and fishing opportunities negotiations.

“I am very aware that the fishing industry faces a multitude of opportunities and challenges,” he told MPs.

Morgan confirmed that officials were preparing for annual fisheries negotiations with the EU and other coastal states and said ministers would consult closely with industry ahead of those talks.

“I will carefully consider how to address pressure on fish stocks as we enter the autumn peak of negotiations with other coastal states for fishing opportunities,” he said.

 
Government Defends Fisheries Record

Morgan also used the debate to defend the Government’s broader fisheries strategy.

He said the UK had secured access to 640,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities for 2026 worth an estimated £1 billion based on historical landing values.

The minister highlighted progress on fisheries management plans and defended efforts to negotiate a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the European Union.

“We are working at pace towards a new SPS agreement with the EU,” he said.

According to Morgan, the agreement would reduce export paperwork, help seafood products reach European markets more quickly and potentially reopen export opportunities currently unavailable to parts of the shellfish sector.

“We will continue to set our own rules outside the common fisheries policy,” he added, while arguing that reducing trade barriers would help strengthen coastal economies.

The debate concluded with Logan welcoming Morgan’s willingness to engage with the industry but warning that fishermen would ultimately judge the Government by its actions rather than its promises.