ROBERTSON COMMENTS ON FISHERIES DEAL
Posted on Thursday, December 22 2005
Following the announcement that cod quotas are to be cut yet again Moray MP Angus Robertson has said that Scottish fishermen are paying a heavy price for continued membership of the Common Fisheries Policy. The SNP MP was speaking following news of the latest fisheries deal to emerge from the EU.
At present all white fish quotas are based on cod stocks despite the fact that haddock are at record levels.
It used to be the case that haddock fishing resulted in significant cod bycatch but modern fishing techniques mean that haddock can be fished while cod stocks are protected. Unfortunately the outdated CFP mechanism takes no account of this and has more to do with trading of votes with non-fishing countries than protecting fish stocks.
Scottiah fishermen have made major changes to their fishing techniques to significantly improve conservation and they are being further penalised by an outdated and biased fisheries policy.
Speaking from his Moray Constituency Office, Mr Robertson said:
" Within the deal there are aspects of good news, particularly regarding the sharp increase in the prawn quota. However, for Scotland's hard-pressed white fish sector, this represents a further body blow.
"We have actually arrived at a position where Scotland's premier fish, the haddock, is at record stock levels, while quotas set for fishermen to catch are at a record low. Nor does this represent a 12 per cent reduction as claimed by Ross Finnie. The reality is that because of international swaps and exchanges, the cut for 2006 is more like 20 per cent.
"Scottish fishermen are paying a heavy price for being part of the CFP which dictates all catches in the white fish sector by the performance of cod, regardless of the stock level of other species.
"It is significant that during negotiations a Cabinet Minister representing one of Europe's key fishing nations – Scotland – is positioned junior to the most junior of all Whitehall Ministers who has never, as far as I know, expressed any interest in the fishing industry.
"As far as Westminster is concerned, Scotland is a far away country of which they know little and care less."
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MP Christmas Card Competition - Winner Announced
Posted on Tuesday, December 20 2005
"Another bumper entry from Moray kids" - Robertson
Moray MP Angus Robertson has unveiled the winning entry in a competition to design the Christmas Card that he is sending out this year.
The competition had entries from over 200 Moray children from Primary Schools and Playgroups throughout the region. Pupils were invited to create a design on the theme 'Children at Christmas'.
The winning entry was a colourful and vibrant design by 4½ year old Kate Hannen from the Noah's Ark Playgroup in Forres.
Amongst the other entries, two more children were Highly Commended in their age-groups. They were – Kimberley Geddes (9) of Rothes Primary School and Jordan Dunn (10) of Alves Primary School.
Announcing the winner MP Angus Robertson said:
" Thank you to everyone who took part in the competition and to the companies and schools in Moray who have supported the project. Thanks also go to the independent judge, acclaimed Moray artist Anne Munn who along with her husband runs the Lantern Gallery.
" This year the card is highlighting the work of the Moray developmental playgroups which include T he Ladybird Group in Lossiemouth, The Sunshine Group in Keith, Noah's Arc Daycare & Developmental Playgroup in Forres, The Rainbow Developmental Group in Elgin, The Teddy Bear Developmental Playgroup in Buckie and The Rocking Horse Developmental Playgroup in Aberlour Primary School.
" I hope that the card may inspire other Moray folk to support this very worthwhile cause."
" Finally but importantly I also thank the sponsors of this year's card, without whom we would not be able to publicise the very worthwhile work of the developmental playgroups. The sponsors include Grigor & Young, Baxters, Robertsons, Spey Bay Salvage, Lossie Print & Design and Johnston Carmichael .
Donations to the developmental playgroups can be sent to the indivudal groups at:
THE LADYBIRD GROUP , C/o St Gerardine's School, Lossiemouth, IV31 6JX
THE SUNSHINE GROUP , Simpson Trust Sports Park, Westerton Road Ind. Estate, Keith , AB55 3EP
NOAH'S ARC DAYCARE & DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYGROUP , Balnageith Road , Forres, IV36 2SX
RAINBOW DEVELOPMENTAL GROUP , 6 Alba Place, Balmoral Terrace, Elgin, IV30 4JM
TEDDY BEAR DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYGROUP , Lady Cathcart School Lane , Buckie, AB56 1AX
ROCKING HORSE DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYGROUP , Aberlour Primary School, Mary Avenue , Aberlour, AB38 9PN
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