Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 27031

Sandeels: Conservation

Tabled: 28 January 2025
Answered: 13 February 2025

Question

Joe Robertson

Conservative — Isle of Wight East

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the European Union on the compatibility of the UK sandeel fishing ban with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Answer

Daniel Zeichner
The EU has raised a dispute that the UK’s decision to prohibit fishing for sandeel within UK waters is not compliant with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The UK is defending its decision. The dispute proceedings are ongoing.