Wednesday, 7 July 2010

WHITEFORD ELECTED VICE-CHAIR OF ALL-PARTY FISHERIES COMMITTEE

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has today been elected as a vice-chairperson of the House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries. 

The All-Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group has existed for many years to support the fishing industry throughout the UK. 

The Group meets regularly with representatives from the fishing industry and with Government Ministers.  

New UK Fisheries Minister, Richard Benyon MP, was also present at today's Annual General Meeting. 

Speaking from Westminster, Dr Whiteford said:

"Fishing is vitally important to Banff & Buchan and I'm honoured to have been elected as a vice-chairperson of the All-Party Group on Fisheries.  I think it is a reflection of the importance of Banff & Buchan to the industry as a whole. 

"Scottish fishermen are leading the rest of Europe in sustainable fishing practices, but we need to ensure that fishing is also economically viable, sustaining jobs and livelihoods in our coastal communities. 

"I look forward to using the opportunities presented by the All-Party Group to further the cause of the Scottish fishing industry with both the Westminster Government and in Brussels."