The Southend West MP held a series of crunch meetings in Parliament and Southend-on-Sea as she backed local fishermen against possible new licencing restrictions across Kent and Essex. The local Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, known as IFCA, is currently consulting on a new approach to issuing cockle fishing licences.
Family-run businesses Osbornes, Fruits of the Sea, and Deals of Old Leigh came together to rally against the proposals, which they say could burden fishermen with uncertainty and instability. included in the proposals is the possible implementation of an in-depth criteria for securing a cockle licence, and the worrying possibility that these licences could be rescinded after regular 7-year reviews. When they contacted Anna Firth MP, she was absolutely determined to back these local fishermen who have brought jobs, tourism, and money into Southend over so many decades.
Calling for an urgent meeting with Mark Spencer MP, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Anna lobbied the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure the decisions IFCA make back local fishermen – not big business and foreign trawlers. The Minister was extremely supportive of the Southend West MP, praising her ‘fight for the fishermen’ after she raised the importance of financial support for the Southend cockle industry with the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons. Her call received cross-party support from the Labour Party’s frontbench, who agreed that this sector is vital to the local economy.
Returning to Southend the following day, Anna held a roundtable discussion with representatives from the three local fishing companies, Cllr. John Lamb (Chair of IFCA), and Dr. William Wright (Chief IFCA Officer).
The meeting was extremely productive, establishing a positive dialogue between the fishermen and IFCA who will be engaging in 1-1 consultations over the coming month to better understand the impact proposals could have on this iconic local trade.
Anna also offered support to Osbornes, Fruits of the Sea, and Deals of Old Leigh in their formal submissions to the ongoing consultation which closes in January, including asking the Minister to visit Southend and sending a formal letter of concerning to IFCA regarding the proposals.
The Southend West MP was thanked by both parties for her hard work in the fight for fisherman, tirelessly backing these families who have been cockling and supporting the local community for decades.
Anna said,
"It is vital we stand behind the fishermen of Southend and beyond. These are incredibly tough times and any new proposals from IFCA must back these age-old family businesses.”
“The meetings I have held this week were extremely productive, with the Chair and Chief Officer of IFCA engaging incredibly well with local people and the Minister of State onboard to see this to a positive end.”
“I thank them all, especially the fishermen, and will continue to fight for fair policies that boost our economy whilst protecting this great trade.”
