British fishermen set to have better non-EU trading deals post Brexit
David Cameron told fishermen that they were 'better off from within' the Common Fisheries EU Policy that limited the amount of fish they could catch
THE Treasury’s secret Brexit analysis shows UK fishermen will be better off under every Brexit scenario - proving another Remain campaign pledge wrong.
During the referendum David Cameron told British fishermen they were “better off from within” the Common Fisheries Policy, which limits the amount of fish they can catch in UK waters.
But the sensitive Treasury document that forecasted the economic effect of three Brexit models - leaked to Buzzfeed last month - said Britain’s fishing industry will be better off under every possibility.
Crashing out of the EU without a deal would leave Britain trading with Brussels on World Trade Organisation terms - freeing UK fishermen from restrictive EU fishing quotas.
Under a Free Trade Agreement with the EU the Treasury also reckons fishermen would be better off.
And even if the Government opts for the closest partnership and stays in the European Economic Area with Brussels fishermen would be better off because fishing isn’t included in the single market.
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The Treasury forecasts blow Mr Cameron’s argument out of the water. He said during the referendum campaign: “Are we better off fighting from within? Yes.
Is this market vital for our farmers and our fishermen? Absolutely, yes.”
He added: “Look at the most recent figures: we’re actually allowing our fishermen now to land more plaice, more cod. Over the last five years, the UK-landed fish has actually increased by 20%.”