New quota deal means UK fishermen can catch 30,000 tonnes more than before Brexit

Mark Spencer, the fisheries secretary, said the “great deal” showed Britain had taken back control of its waters after Brexit.

“We are 30,000 tonnes better off now that we are out of the EU than we would have been if we had stayed as a member country,” he told the Commons.

“As an independent coastal state… we have the freedom to negotiate on our own terms and push for deals that will deliver results for the UK fishing industry.

“This deal is better than we would have negotiated if we were in the EU. Obviously, 30,000 tons is a significant amount of fish.

Britain has struck three fisheries deals this year with Brussels, Norway and North Atlantic countries such as Greenland and Iceland.

In total, they add over £750m worth of capabilities to UK boats, which is £34m more than was provided last year.

“Welcome by Coastal Communities”

George Eustis, a former environment minister, said fishermen would particularly benefit from a “significant recovery” of cod in the North Sea.

“As an independent coastal state, the UK received a greater share of the fishery resources in our waters, but was also in a stronger position to push for more sustainable catch limits in negotiations with our neighbours,” he told the Telegraph.

Craig McKinlay, Tory MP, added: “It’s great news that now that we’re out of the EU, we’re gradually finding our freedom to catch more local fish.

“This will be welcomed by coastal communities like mine, but there is still a long way to go, especially to ban foreign factory ships from our waters.”

The deal was welcomed by the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, which described it as a “good outcome” for its members.

But others lost out with Jane Sandell, chief executive of UK Fisheries, saying it was another “blow for fishermen in the North East of England”.

Under the trade deal, EU ships continue to have guaranteed access to UK waters until 2026, with their quotas slowly reducing.

Britain would then be able to negotiate with the bloc, while being able to fully determine the terms of entry for boats from European countries.