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Response to Lib Dem MP Michael Moore's betrayal of the interests of
his own constituency by abstaining in a key vote on the Lisbon
Treaty - in doing so he acted against the interests of fishing
sector in Berwickshire. Mr Moore also went on to abstain on
the later vote on whether the UK should have a referendum on the
Treaty and was rewarded for his duplicity with promotion by his
party leader.
in the Berwickshire News, 6th March 2008
Sir,
On February 26, the UK Government voted down a key SNP amendment
to the European Union (Amendment) Bill. The amendment would have
seen the UK move to take responsibility for fisheries and marine
conservation back, with the Scottish Parliament thereby having the
responsibility for Scottish waters. Scotland needs to make the most
of trade opportunities presented by the EU. However, it is widely
acknowledged that the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) has been an
unmitigated disaster for Scotland's fishing sector. CFP caused our
waters to be over-fished, while Norway and Iceland have well
managed, environmentally sustainable and economically viable
fisheries operating outside the CFP. Scotland could have similarly
benefited from managing our own fishing waters, but while also
retaining the wider advantages of EU membership.
As an urban-dominated party, Labour's approach was predictable,
if disappointing. They have taken over the baton from the Tories
who, under Prime Ministers Heath, Thatcher and Major, treated the
sector as an expendable pawn to be traded for favours within the EU.
What was truly astonishing this time was the approach of Liberal
Democrats. Michael Moore, Lib Dem MP for our area, with its
vulnerable fishing industry, failed to put aside his party's
European federalism and support his constituents. He and his Lib Dem
colleagues chose to abstain on this key issue. The Lib Dems have put
their aim of building a European state before the interests of both
this constituency and Scotland's fishing industry.
Labour UK ministers agreed to the Lisbon Treaty without seeking
any changes to the text that enshrines fisheries in the EU Reform
Treaty as an "exclusive competence" of the EU. It is not
important enough for them. National control of fisheries is
non-negotiable for the SNP Scottish Government and that is why the
SNP demands the Labour UK government honours its manifesto promise
to hold a referendum. Unless sovereignty over fishing is resolved,
we will oppose this Treaty.
Since last May, the SNP Government's Cabinet Secretary, Richard
Lochhead MSP, has shown what a difference it makes to finally have a
Minister who can work without fear or favour. Last December, the
Scottish Government secured arguably the best deal for Scottish
fishing in a generation. The Scottish Government's Conservation
Credits scheme, building upon and rewarding proactive initiatives
taken by the sector itself, is an example of how Scotland can secure
a sound and sustainable future for fishing.
Yours faithfully
Paul Wheelhouse, SNP Prospective Parliamentary Candidate,
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk |
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