MP demands that Secretary of State intervenes after local fishermen blocked from exporting to France until late April
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has written to DEFRA Secretary George Eustice urging him to intervene after local fishermen were told they will no longer be able to sell to their biggest market for the next four months.
Fishermen in the South Cumbrian village of Flookburgh earn much of their living by harvesting cockles and mussels from Morecambe Bay and selling them to France.
However, since January 1st they have been told by DEFRA officials that the Government has not got the proper paperwork in place for them to carry on selling to France, and the latest advice on the Government's website says that the matter will not be resolved until April 21st.
In his letter to the Secretary of State, Tim said: "I am sure you will agree that this is unacceptable and l request that this is urgently resolved and all affected fishermen are communicated with as soon as possible and are offered every assistance, especially as their normal income has fallen off the cliff edge with no warning and most have families who are reliant on a regular income to survive."