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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the Government will ban pelagic trawlers over 55 metres and fly-shooters from the English Channel and Southern North Sea.

The Government is currently reviewing its policy on fly-shooting vessels and large pelagic trawlers in UK waters. Any action taken needs to be evidence-based, and in line with the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.