Rishi Sunak address 'brexit bonus' for Essex Fishermen
Britain is poised to reap the benefits of a “brilliant Brexit bonus” after the discovery of large shellfish beds in the Thames Estuary, offering the nation’s fishermen a massive shot in the arm, an MP has revealed.
And Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told Southend West MP Anna Firth he shared her delight at the “fantastic discovery” - and pledged to come and see it for himself.
Speaking in the Commons during Prime Minister’s Question Time, Ms Firth said: “New very large shellfish beds have been discovered in the Thames Estuary, including razor clams and manila clams, both highly prized around the world.
“So will my Right Honourable friend join me in congratulating local fisherman Mr Paul Gilson on his proactive work?
“And will he come to Leigh-on-Sea and meet my local fishermen so we can discuss how to maximise this brilliant Brexit bonus for Essex?”
READ MORE: EU faces ￡370m bill after US firm goes bust, saddling it with white elephant
Stay up-to-date with the latest Politics news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Rishi Sunak welcomed the 'fantastic discovery' (Image: Parliament TV/GETTY)
Fishing - and specifically taking back control of UK waters - was a central issue during the Brexit debate, although plenty have been critical of the trade deal struck between the UK and the EU in 2021.
In particular, there has been anger that Britain has granted licences to nearly 1,700 vessels to fish in the 12-200 nautical mile zone, and a further 105 licences for vessels to fish in the 6-12 nautical mile zone where evidence supported a track record.
Speaking to Nigel Farage on GB News in 2021, former Brexit Party MEP June Mummery said: "I've got fishermen that can't afford to feed their families.
"When you had these big fly shooters coming in from the Dutch, we've got the French knocking at the door for more.
Don't miss...
BBC lack of appetite to make Post Office drama unsurprising - claim [ANALYSIS]
Labour MP slapped down over video moaning about Bibby Stockholm barge conditions [VIDEO]
EU crony Donald Tusk accused of trying to destroy Polish democracy [INSIGHT]
Become an Express Premium member Support fearless journalism Read The Daily Express online, advert free Get super-fast page loading
Start 30-day
FREE trial
Anna Firth speaking in the Commons (Image: Parliament TV)
Mr Sunak replied: “I join my honourable friend in welcoming in welcoming this fantastic discovery.
“We have been capitalising on the benefit benefits of Brexit since we left the EU and we're making sure that we can transform opportunity in the UK, particularly in fishing communities.
”I know my honourable friend, the Minister for farming and fishing will be happy to meet with her to discuss what more this could mean.
“And I hope I also have an opportunity to come and see this incredible discovery for myself.”
Fishing was a key issue during the Brexit debate (Image: GETTY)
Trending
"It's putting a big strain on our coastal fishermen. We were completely sold out.
DON'T MISS
Powered by
Humza Yousaf begs bus tycoon for help with SNP donations dwindling
511 Comments
BBC accused of showing 'no intellectual appetite' to dramatise Post Office scandal
93 Comments
Rishi Sunak vows to make further tax cuts ahead of UK autumn general election
95 Comments
Warning issued that price of three household items to skyrocket because of Red Sea crisis
203 Comments
'Here's the truth of it': Nigel Farage makes dire Labour general election prediction
860 Comments
Russia's Wagner Group is helping Islamist terrorists, shocking report reveals
7 Comments
Horizon develop Fujitsu should contribute to compensation, Alex Chalk hints
4 Comments
Downing Street supports knighthood for Alan Bates for his efforts for justice in scandal
Comments
Keir Starmer's role in Post Office scandal must be investigated, demands former minister
21 Comments
Andrew Bailey makes desperate appeal to banks as high streets dealt major blow
5 Comments
'Watch this space': Grant Shapps issues stark warning to Houthis over Red Sea attacks
5 Comments
Who is Morgan McSweeney? Keir Starmer's election guru you've never heard of
10 Comments
Jeremy Hunt tells Labour to stop criticising from the sidelines and set out tax cut plans
15 Comments
Humza Yousaf makes 'significant' Scottish independence admission in live TV interview
38 Comments
Eurozone slump proves Britain was right all along to quit bloc, says Brexiteer
1542 Comments
'Arrogant' EU faces huge ￡370million bill as London office is abandoned after Brexit
1713 Comments
Britain's youngest ever prime minister at 24, as Macron appoints PM, 34, in France
25 Comments
Reform UK has a great opportunity to prove its critics wrong, says Jonathan Saxty
18 Comments
'World class' Brexit Britain smashes EU to claim new global status in Rejoiner hammer blow
2473 Comments
Local residents break down in tears after being priced out of UK's prettiest coastal towns
24 Comments
Humza Yousaf begs bus tycoon for help with SNP donations dwindling
511 Comments
BBC accused of showing 'no intellectual appetite' to dramatise Post Office scandal
93 Comments
Rishi Sunak vows to make further tax cuts ahead of UK autumn general election
95 Comments
Warning issued that price of three household items to skyrocket because of Red Sea crisis
203 Comments
'Here's the truth of it': Nigel Farage makes dire Labour general election prediction
860 Comments
Russia's Wagner Group is helping Islamist terrorists, shocking report reveals
7 Comments
Horizon develop Fujitsu should contribute to compensation, Alex Chalk hints
4 Comments
Downing Street supports knighthood for Alan Bates for his efforts for justice in scandal
Comments
Keir Starmer's role in Post Office scandal must be investigated, demands former minister
21 Comments
Andrew Bailey makes desperate appeal to banks as high streets dealt major blow
5 Comments
'Watch this space': Grant Shapps issues stark warning to Houthis over Red Sea attacks
5 Comments
Who is Morgan McSweeney? Keir Starmer's election guru you've never heard of
10 Comments
Jeremy Hunt tells Labour to stop criticising from the sidelines and set out tax cut plans
15 Comments
Humza Yousaf makes 'significant' Scottish independence admission in live TV interview
38 Comments
Eurozone slump proves Britain was right all along to quit bloc, says Brexiteer
1542 Comments
'Arrogant' EU faces huge ￡370million bill as London office is abandoned after Brexit
1713 Comments
Britain's youngest ever prime minister at 24, as Macron appoints PM, 34, in France
25 Comments
Reform UK has a great opportunity to prove its critics wrong, says Jonathan Saxty
18 Comments
'World class' Brexit Britain smashes EU to claim new global status in Rejoiner hammer blow
2473 Comments
Local residents break down in tears after being priced out of UK's prettiest coastal towns
24 Comments
Humza Yousaf begs bus tycoon for help with SNP donations dwindling
511 Comments
BBC accused of showing 'no intellectual appetite' to dramatise Post Office scandal
93 Comments
Rishi Sunak vows to make further tax cuts ahead of UK autumn general election
95 Comments
Warning issued that price of three household items to skyrocket because of Red Sea crisis
203 Comments
'Here's the truth of it': Nigel Farage makes dire Labour general election prediction
860 Comments
Russia's Wagner Group is helping Islamist terrorists, shocking report reveals
7 Comments
Horizon develop Fujitsu should contribute to compensation, Alex Chalk hints
4 Comments
"After five years, we still will be tied to tariffs, aviation and energy.
"The deal that our Prime Minister struck with the EU is diabolical.”
Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that overseas vessels would be in a position to plunder the newly found beds, given their location.
Related articles EU accused of ‘ridiculous’ new plot to threaten UK fishermen in Brexit revenge Latest travel advice for Iceland as Grindavik volcano erupts Outrage as European Union threatens to 'plunder' fish near UK shores Nigel Farage pinpoints 'facts' over Keir Starmer's inaction in Horizon scandal ‘Mini Macron’ is just 34 – but he’s no match for UK’s youngest-ever PM