If the Commissioner can't come to Hastings, Hastings will go to the Commissioner (South Central Region Liberal Democrats)

South Central Region Liberal Democrats <info@southcentrallibdems.org.uk>

If the Commissioner can't come to Hastings, Hastings will go to the Commissioner

July 7, 2010 1:53 PM
Originally published by Catherine Bearder MEP

Catherine Bearder MEP on Hastings beach with local campaigner Nick Perry and Sharon Bowles MEP

Hastings' Lib Dem Euro MP Catherine Bearder will take a delegation from Hastings to meet with the European Fisheries Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, to explain to her the problems faced by the traditional fishing communities across South East England.

Mrs Bearder had invited the Commissioner to visit Hastings to see the problems caused by British mismanagement of fisheries policy, but the Commissioner was unable to attend. Instead Mrs Bearder decided to take a delegation from the South East to meet the Commissioner in Brussels.

On hearing the Commissioner has agreed to meet the delegation, Mrs Bearder commented, "If the Commissioner can't come to Hastings to see the our fishing industry I will take Hastings to the Commissioner."

"I'm delighted we have this unique opportunity to relay our local concerns face-to-face to the most powerful decision-maker on fisheries policy in Europe."

"The mismanagement of fisheries by the last government forced many of our traditional fishing communities to fight for their survival. This is the case in Hastings, and unless we make changes now, the long-term consequences could be fatal."

"The coalition government must work closely with the Commission to reform the Common Fisheries Policy and make sure the interests of our fishermen are at its heart."