Brexit’s Broken Promise: British Fishermen Feel “Sold Down the River” After EU Deal
Despite pledges of regaining control of their waters, british fishermen are facing disillusionment and economic hardship following a recent EU deal that extends access for European trawlers.
For Martin Gilbert, 62, fishing isn’t just a job-it’s a legacy. Having begun working the Cornish sea at the age of seven, he’s spent five decades battling the elements to harvest crabs and shellfish.But Gilbert is among a growing number of fishermen who feel betrayed by successive governments, believing they were promised a post-brexit future that has failed to materialize.
In May, a “reset deal” between the UK and the EU, hailed by Sir Keir Starmer as a “win-win,” aimed to ease travel and trade. However, the agreement granted European fishing trawlers another 12 years of access to British waters, a move condemned by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation as a “horror show.”
“It’s very disappointing,” Gilbert told The Independent. “We were promised to get our own little island, and as far as I’m aware, it’s still an absolute nightmare for merchants to sell abroad due to paperwork, inspections and stamp approvals. It’s too much hassle,and now only 50 per cent of the fish we produce goes abroad.”
The frustration stems from a perceived lack of benefit from Brexit, a campaign in which regaining control of British waters was a central promise. Politicians like Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson appealed to the fishing community,suggesting a future free from EU restrictions. Yet, Gilbert and others argue that little has changed.
Damage and Disruption
The continued presence of larger EU vessels within the six- to 12-mile limit is causing significant damage to the livelihoods of smaller British fishing fleets. Gilbert estimates he’s lost “tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of gear” over the last 30 years due to collisions and interference.
To mitigate the risk,fishermen like gilbert now rely on a system coordinated by the Cornish Fish Producers Organisation,using WhatsApp and live marine traffic maps to alert EU vessels to the location of their crab pots.Despite these precautions, incidents continue to occur. Five years ago, a French trawler ran over and destroyed a significant portion of his crab pots, resulting in a loss of approximately £10,000.”It’s just a way of life now, accepting that it’s going to happen,” he says.
Gilbert works long hours, starting before dawn and continuing late into the night, just to make a living.
Despite the hardships, Gilbert finds solace in the fact that his sons and grandchildren are continuing the family tradition.However, he acknowledges that others are reaching their breaking point. “There are a couple of people I know who have given up and said enough is enough, there’s too much paperwork and bureaucracy and regulation – I’m getting that way inclined,” he said. “I enjoy the job tremendously, it’s just hard work.”
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) spokesperson stated that the government “values the hard work and dedication of all those working in our vital fishing industry” and has announced a £360 million fishing and coastal growth fund to support the next generation. They also affirmed their commitment to working wiht the industry to promote enduring fishing practices.
Despite these assurances, for many British fishermen like Martin Gilbert, the promise of Brexit remains unfulfilled, leaving them to navigate increasingly turbulent waters with a sense of disillusionment and uncertainty.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. this is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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