Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether the UK will retain the exclusive use of the six-nautical-miles and 12-nautical-miles fishing zones during the proposed 21-month implementation period before the UK leaves the EU.

During the implementation period, the UK will no longer be a Member State of the European Union.

In order to ensure a smooth transition and to give governments, businesses and citizens on both sides the time they need to prepare for our new relationship, we have agreed that common rules will remain in place during the implementation period. This includes the current arrangements on the management and access of the six-nautical-miles and 12-nautical miles fishing zones.

Crucially, we have safeguarded the interests of our fishermen by ensuring that the UK’s share of catch cannot be reduced.

In December 2020, we will be negotiating fishing opportunities as a third country and fully independent coastal state, deciding who can access our waters and on what terms for the first time in over 40 years.