Government fishing policy judicial review verdict – Greenpeace response

18 January, 2016 Greenpeace:  Following a recent judicial review which saw Greenpeace challenge the UK Government over its distribution of fishing quota, Mrs Justice Andrews DBE has ruled in the Government’s favour.

Responding to the verdict, Greenpeace UK’s Head of Oceans, Will McCallum, said:

‘Low-impact fishing boats are the lifeblood of the UK’s fishing industry. They make up the vast majority of our fleet – but the Government’s only giving them the crumbs off the table. That’s why we launched this legal challenge. ‘But even if the Government has successfully argued that these crumbs are enough to comply with the letter of the law – they’re certainly not enough for the local fishing fleet and the coastal communities they represent – or in keeping with the spirit of the reformed common fisheries policy. ‘Of course the verdict is disappointing, but Greenpeace is proud to have fought alongside small-scale fishermen for the reform of the CFP and to have gained significant victories with them in the form of a major uplift in quota, resulting from the discards ban, for those who fish in a sustainable way and create vital jobs in coastal communities. ‘The Conservative party committed in its manifesto to give a fair deal to local fishermen – but by continuing to allocate around 94% of UK fishing quota to industrial boats – they’re doing no favours to the environment or coastal economies.’ Click here to read more: