NFFO remains neutral on Europe

 

ALTHOUGH the NFFO has decided not to take a formal position on the forthcoming EU membership referendum, it intends to invite protagonists from both camps to air their arguments on its website.

A recent meeting of the NFFO’s Executive Committee took the view that the role of the Federation is to influence government, whether the UK is inside or outside the EU. It is not to seek to influence the outcome of a democratic process in which all its members have a vote.

However, the Executive felt that the NFFO could provide a valuable platform on the referendum that could inform our members’ decision on 23rd June. Politicians like George Eustace will be invited to contribute a blog on the Federation’s website, on what the fisheries regime would look like outside the EU. Similarly, prominent figures in the Stay camp will be asked to write on the future of our fisheries within the EU and CFP.

NFFO Chairman, Tony Delahunty, commented: “This is an important issue for the fishing industry and our Executive gave a great deal of consideration to weighing the options. The day after the referendum, the NFFO will have a job to do, either in the negotiation of new bilateral fisheries agreements, or to defend the industry within the CFP. The choice will lie with the electorate but we will deal with the consequences either way. It’s important that that vote is taken in as full knowledge as possible of the consequences and inviting the parties to describe the pros and cons to the fishing industry is probably the best way to achieve this.”