Scottish seafood firms can claim up to £100k for 'genuine loss' in Brexit package

Scottish firms exporting fish and shellfish to the EU who can show they have suffered “genuine loss” due to Brexit red tape will be able to claim up to £100,000 in compensation, the UK Government has confirmed.
The UK Government has announced a £23 million support package for seafood businesses hit by Brexit.The UK Government has announced a £23 million support package for seafood businesses hit by Brexit.
The UK Government has announced a £23 million support package for seafood businesses hit by Brexit.

Boris Johnson had earlier let slip details of a £23 million support package for seafood businesses hit by Brexit, just hours after furious Scottish shellfish exporters drove a dozen lorries to the steps of Downing Street in protest.

Under the deal agreed with Brussels, British trade with the EU is tariff free, but fish exporters are now suffering due to a series of new document demands.

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The fund will be aimed at helping fishing exporters who can evidence a genuine loss in exporting fish and shellfish to the EU.

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UK Government ‘did not contact’ Holyrood before PM announced compensation for fi...

Support of up to £100,000 will be immediately available for losses incurred since January 1, 2021.

UK Government Minister for Scotland David Duguid said: “This funding announcement is the latest step in the UK Government’s continued engagement with the senior representatives of the industry to identify specific problems and to apply rapid solutions.

“Those conversations are, of course, aimed at addressing immediate concerns, and at finding longer-term, sustainable solutions to the challenges that the industry faces.

“Working with Scottish seafood business leaders, we want to get the best out of our exit from the Common Fisheries Policy and the opportunities that presents, as well maximising the investment package delivered by the UK Government.”

The UK Government will now consult the industry and work with the devolved administrations to establish eligibility criteria.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “This £23m scheme 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.

“We are continuing to work closely with the fishing and aquaculture sectors to make sure that they are supported, and can continue to fish whilst contributing to the economies of our coastal communities.”

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As well as funding, the UK Government will also now provide support to help businesses adapt to the new processes, with both Defra and HMRC offering more support and training to exporters.

Earlier the UK Government was accused of contacting Holyrood before the Prime Minister announced compensation for the fishing communities.

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