Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus MacNeil together with leading figures from the Western Isles fishing industry – Duncan MacInnes, Secretary of the Western Isles Fishermen’s Association and Donald J Maclean, Managing Director Barratlantic – today met with UK Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill MP to discuss the crew shortage crisis impacting on the West Coast fishing industry.

 

Also in attendance at this meeting were Senen Mangalile, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Philippine Embassy in London; and Argyll and Bute MP, Brendan O’Hara; and Margaret Ritchie MP South Down, Northern Ireland, who both represent fishing communities affected by this issue.

 

Following the meeting Mr MacNeil said:

 

“Fishermen and fishing industry representatives felt it was a constructive meeting.

 

“Mr Goodwill said they will look at the details of a scheme which was run in the past under the former Immigration Minister, Damian Green, which enabled non-EEA fisherman to come in. They are looking at details towards a working solution so it was a cooperative meeting.

 

“However this problem does still remain although there seems to be increased willingness to address this issue.”