The Seafood Sector

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 2:06 pm on 3 February 2021.

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Photo of Mick Antoniw Mick Antoniw Labour 2:06, 3 February 2021

Thank you for that answer, Minister. The seafood sector is an important part of the Welsh economy, employing many people and contributing significantly to our exports. The industry made very clear, prior to the end of the transition period, that there was a lack of preparation and that the industry would suffer if those preparations were not put in hand, and also called, I think, and supported the extension of the transition period to ensure that that sector was not impacted in that way. There's really been gross negligence from the UK Government in this, which is now hitting our sector greatly in two areas, it seems, Minister: (1) is exporting generally, but secondly is the export in respect of produce that is available for consumption, and that issue around that. Can I ask specifically what contacts you have with the Welsh seafood industry? What efforts are being made jointly to try and get the UK Government not only to resolve this particular problem, but also, as you say, to ensure the Welsh seafood industry is properly compensated for the UK Government's failure?