> Halcro Johnston criticises the Clyde closure without exemptions, citing a lack of data, scientific support, trust and community engagement.
> He warns SNP/Green attitude to fishing sector has not changed since HPMA debacle.
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has expressed deep disappointment after SNP and Green MSPs on a Scottish Parliament committee voted against annulling moves to ban fishing in large areas of the Clyde.
Mr Halcro Johnston was speaking after nationalist MSPs on Holyrood’s Rural Affairs Committee, including MSPs from the Highlands and Islands, Kate Forbes and Ariane Burgess, failed to back Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton’s motion which, if successful, would have blocked a Scottish Government ban without exemptions.
Mr Halcro Johnston, who is a substitute member of the committee and backed Rachael Hamilton’s motion, said the SNP and Greens had failed to learn the lessons of their disastrous attempts to introduce HPMAs in Scotland.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: “Despite accepting that their approach will have a negative impact on fishermen, and that the data they have used to make this decision is old and inadequate, Scottish ministers have refused to allow exemptions offered in previous years and have pushed ahead with this ban in the Clyde.
"This decision lacks robust data and scientific support, as well as the trust and meaningful engagement with the local community who will be most affected.
“What is most frustrating is that, despite this lack of reliable science, and the absence of traditional exemptions, nationalist MSPs on the committee – including two from the Highlands and Islands – seemed quite happy to back their government colleagues and push ahead with this ban.
"It is disappointing that they appear to have failed to learn any lessons from their government’s shambolic actions over High Protection Marine Areas (HPMA) and the anger and concern it has caused.
“This will be worrying for fishing communities right across the Highlands and Islands, where the threat of a back door reintroduction of the hated HPMAs still looms large.
“Our fishing sector – so important to communities right across the Highlands and Islands – should be able to expect their representatives in Parliament to stand up for their jobs and livelihoods.
“This vote – and this no-exemptions ban – suggests that SNP and Green MSPs will always put the Bute House Agreement first and their loyalty to their government before that to their constituents”.
ENDS
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