Lib Dems Lead the Charge: Crucial Commons Debate Secured on Fishing Industry including East Yorkshire

​The Liberal Democrats are once again proving to be the loudest voice for our coastal communities—from the heritage of Bridlington to the bustling docks of the Humber. Alistair Carmichael MP, Liberal Democrat Chair of the EFRA Committee, has successfully secured a major House of Commons debate on the state of the UK fishing industry.

​Scheduled for Thursday, 22nd January 2026, this debate comes at a critical moment for the East Riding. Our local fishers continue to grapple with the fallout of botched post-Brexit trade arrangements and a government that seems to have forgotten the North Sea coast.
​The Liberal Democrats have long argued that the UK’s fishing sector was "used as a pawn" in political negotiations. Now, with dozens of MPs backing Alistair Carmichael’s call, we are demanding the scrutiny our local industry deserves.

​Real Action for the East Coast
​Liberal Democrat MP; Alistair Carmichael has been a vocal critic of the "worst of both worlds" deal that has left many in our region feeling abandoned.

Speaking ahead of the debate, he emphasised the need for a fresh approach:
​"I am delighted to have secured this debate. This is an opportunity to bring the needs of our fishing and coastal communities back into the heart of Parliament. I am calling on anyone with a stake in the future of the fishing industry to contact my office... so that we get the widest range of evidence possible." — Alistair Carmichael MP

​Challenging the Status Quo in East Riding
​Here in the East Riding, we see the impact of these failures every day. The Liberal Democrats are pushing for answers on:
​The "Spatial Squeeze": Balancing the vital expansion of offshore wind in the North Sea with the traditional rights of our local fishing fleet.
​Trade Barriers: Removing the mountain of red tape that has made exporting East Coast shellfish and whitefish a bureaucratic nightmare.
​Quota Fairness: Ending the system where a few "quota giants" dominate, while small-scale local boats in places like Bridlington, Withernsea and Hornsea struggle to survive.

​A "Fair Deal" for Our Waters
​The East Riding Liberal Democrats believe our fishing industry should never be a "bargaining chip." We are calling for a Fair Deal that treats fishing as a primary industry, not a second-class concern.
​Our Priorities Include:
​Fixing the Trade Deal: Using the 2026 review to repair the damage and secure better market access.
​Ending "Quota Hopping": Ensuring the wealth of our waters stays in our coastal communities, not with foreign-owned "flags of convenience."
​Protecting Marine Health: Tackling the sewage scandal in our seas with a Sewage Tax on water companies to protect the ecosystems our fishers rely on.
​Labor Solutions: Fixing failed immigration policies that have left local fleets short-handed.

"Fishing may only be less than 1% of the UK economy but that is still £ 1.4 billion. That is no reason for the Government to treat it with a neglect verging on contempt. Liberal Democrats recognise the importance it has for the coastal community and economy and therefore urge action be taken on the constructive proposals we are advocating." Cllr Jeremy Wilcock 

​Tim Farron MP, Lib Dem Spokesperson for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has been clear: "Food security is national security." It is time the government treated our East Coast fishers with that level of respect.

​Make Your Voice Heard
​As the UK prepares for the 2026 review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, we must ensure the East Riding is not silenced.
​"We cannot afford for fishing to be treated as a second-class concern as it has been in the past," says Alistair Carmichael.

​Take Action: Contact your MP today to demand they support this debate and fight for the future of the East Riding fishing industry.
​Find your MP’s details at: www.theyworkforyou.com
​

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