Lib Dems Lead the Charge: Alistair Carmichael MP Secures Crucial Commons Debate on Fishing Industry

The Liberal Democrats are once again proving to be the loudest voice for our coastal communities. Alistair Carmichael MP, the Liberal Democrat representative for Orkney and Shetland and 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 juncture as the industry grapples with the fallout of post-Brexit trade arrangements and a perceived lack of government support. 

The Liberal Democrats have long argued that the UK’s fishing sector has been "used as a pawn" in political negotiations. This debate follows a wave of cross-party support, with over dozens of MPs backing the Alistair Carmichael's call for greater scrutiny of the government’s handling of the industry.

Standing Up for Coastal Communities
​Alistair Carmichael MP has been a vocal critic of the "worst of both worlds" deal inherited by the industry. Speaking ahead of the debate, he emphasised the need for a fresh approach that prioritises real-world evidence over political posturing.  

​"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
​The Liberal Democrats argue that several critical issues have been mishandled and urgently require proper debate. These include:
The “spatial squeeze” — growing competition for marine space caused by the expansion of offshore renewable energy projects and conservation zones.
Trade barriers — persistent red tape and export difficulties that have severely damaged coastal economies, including major fishing ports such as Brixham and Lerwick.
Quota mismanagement — the continued concentration of the majority of UK fishing quota in the hands of a small number of large operators, limiting opportunities for smaller fishing businesses.

Caroline Voaden MP (South Devon) has previously highlighted the sense of betrayal felt in major fishing hubs:  
​"Brixham is one of the UK’s major fishing ports, and people there believed the promises made about Brexit. Many now feel utterly betrayed... they tell me they were lied to."

A "Fair Deal" for UK Fisheries
The Liberal Democrats believe that the fishing industry should not be a "bargaining chip" in trade talks. 

​The Liberal Democrats are calling for a comprehensive "Fair Deal" for the industry, moving away from the "second-class concern" status it has held under successive governments. Key policy priorities include:  
​Reforming the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA): Using the 2026 review to repair the damage caused by past negotiations and secure better access for the UK fleet.  
​Sustainable Management: Implementing a Land and Sea Use Framework to balance the needs of fishers with environmental protection; whilst securing the industry for generations in the future.
​Ending "Quota Hopping": Ensuring that the benefits of UK waters stay within UK coastal communities rather than foreign-owned "flags of convenience."
​Protecting Marine Health: Tackling the sewage scandal that threatens the very ecosystems the fishing industry relies on through a dedicated Sewage Tax on water companies.
Workforce Support: Addressing the labor shortages caused by failed immigration policies to ensure the fleet remains operational.
Trade Reform: Removing the "mountain of red tape" that prevents UK fishers from accessing vital European markets.

​Tim Farron MP, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has consistently pushed for higher standards and better support for rural producers, noting that "food security is national security".

Make Your Voice Heard
​As the UK prepares for the critical 2026 review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the Liberal Democrats are leading the fight to ensure fishing is never again treated as a "bargaining chip."

"We cannot afford for fishing to be treated as a second-class concern as it has been in the past. I would encourage everyone with an interest to make their voice heard."  Alistair Carmichael MP

Contact your MP today to raise your concerns, support this debate, and demand action to protect the future of the industry.
Find your  MPs details at 

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