UK government 'in denial' over EU seafood and fish exports

Scottish seafood and fishing industry figures have accused the UK government of being "in denial" about the scale of problems facing exporters to the EU.

Scotland Food and Drink chief executive James Withers told the Scottish Affairs Committee firms had had a "dreadful" first few weeks of post-Brexit trading.

The Scottish Seafood Association said exports to the EU were improving, but added it was "far from being perfect".

The UK government said it recognised the issues the sector was facing.

It added that it was working to set up a new taskforce "to understand the key issues" facing the fishing industry.

Mr Withers' comments came as representatives from Scotland's fishing and seafood industry took part in virtual briefing sessions with MPs at the Scottish Affairs Committee and MSPs at Holyrood's Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee.

The sessions followed Westminster protests last month by seafood firms over disruption caused by new border controls introduced after the end of the UK's transition period.

Firms reported that customs bureaucracy had caused delays and left consignments of fish rotting at the border.

Mr Withers told the Scottish Affairs Committee: "I actually think the biggest challenge, and I've been reflecting on this the last few days, I don't think it's just the sheer weight of paperwork, I don't think it's been IT systems crashing in the UK and in France.

"I don't think it's been the missing commodity codes and HMRC systems failing, I don't even think it's been the loads held up due to forms being filled out in the wrong colour of ink.

"I think the biggest single challenge we have just now is denial. I think it is denial, from the UK government in particular, of the scale of the problem."

He added: "We can't accept that this is short-term issues, that it is teething problems, or even the statement from Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) this week that trade continues to flow smoothly, because it doesn't."

Scottish Seafood Association chief executive Jimmy Buchan told the Scottish Affairs Committee that exports to the EU were "improving" but added it was "far from being perfect".

He said: "The government, to a degree, is still in denial.

"This is not teething problems, these are issues that we need to sit down with the government, and they need to sit down with the EU Commission, and sort these things out."

Ahead of the briefing, Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation chief executive Tavish Scott told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "The new normal is higher costs, more red tape and uncertainty over times into market place.

"That's not acceptable to us - that's not acceptable to any exporter at all - and therefore the UK government have to address that."

He added: "Most of us from the seafood industry are on calls with the UK government every week - sometimes daily.

"We have been making these points for over a month now and, frankly, little has happened.

"We have asked for a taskforce to be set up - that was two weeks ago - to look at the systems problems that exist because of the export restrictions that are placed upon us. That has yet to be set up."

A UK government spokesman said: "We recognise the temporary issues the fishing industry is facing, and know businesses involved in the export of highly perishable goods, such as fish, will be more affected by delays at the border.

"That's why we are working to set up a new taskforce to understand the key issues facing the Scottish seafood sector, in particular.

"This taskforce will complement our existing Seafood Exports Working Group which is also troubleshooting export issues for the sector."

He added: "We have also announced a £23m scheme which will provide crucial support for fishermen and seafood exporters, who have experienced delays and a lack of demand for fish from the restaurant industry in the UK and Europe.

"This is in addition to the £100m fund announced by the prime minister in December."