Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to support small fishing fleets.

Defra works closely with all parts of the fishing industry, including the small‑scale fleet, to support a vibrant, profitable and sustainable sector. This includes securing fishing opportunities for them in annual negotiations and developing fisheries management plans to maintain or restore stocks. The department has also established the Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund to help regenerate the industry and coastal communities, and we encourage small‑scale fishers to make full use of the support available.