West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas says that local fishermen will benefit from an historic new fisheries agreement signed with Norway – the UK’s first since leaving the EU and first as an independent coastal state in 40 years.

The Fisheries Framework Agreement, signed by Environment Secretary George Eustice and Norwegian Fisheries Minister Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen, means the UK and Norway will hold annual negotiations on the issues of access to waters and quotas.

Mr Thomas said:  “This is a significant step forward as the UK prepares to leave the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy at the end of the transition period in December.

“Leaving the EU means the UK is able to decide who can access its waters and on what terms, in the best interest of its marine environment and its seafood and fishing sectors.”

The announcement of the agreement comes as the Fisheries Bill, which confirms the government’s commitment to sustainable fishing for future generations, makes its way through the House of Commons.

Mr Eustice, who is the MP for Camborne and Redruth, said: “I am delighted that a Framework Fisheries Agreement with Norway has been successfully secured.

“The agreement is testament to our commitment to acting as a co-operative independent coastal state, seeking to ensure a sustainable and a prosperous future for the whole of the UK fishing industry.

“I pay tribute to our Norwegian counterparts for the constructive approach they adopted throughout these negotiations, and we look forward to working with them closely in the coming years.”