Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
7th Report – Resetting the relationship with fishing communities
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 680
Published 24 April 2026
Government response
2nd Special Report - Resetting the relationship with fishing communities: Government Response · published 23 Jul 2026
Recommendations & Conclusions
2
Recommendation
Acknowledged
The government should provide this Committee with the analysis supporting the £360 million funding level,...
Recommendation
The government should provide this Committee with the analysis supporting the £360 million funding level, the 12-year duration and whatever the profile of this spending is expected to be over that period, including the reasons for establishing a new scheme …
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Government Response Summary
The government welcomes interest in the Fund and states its design is informed by evidence and engagement, with a commitment to using clear and measurable criteria to achieve its objectives. However, it does not explicitly provide the detailed analysis, spending profile, or rationale for the new scheme as requested, indicating these aspects will continue to evolve with further development.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The government clearly recognises the strong relationship between fishing activity and coastal community wellbeing.
Conclusion
The government clearly recognises the strong relationship between fishing activity and coastal community wellbeing. Evidence shows that challenges such as inadequate port infrastructure and limited skills and training pathways require targeted support to sustain active fishing communities. The Fund’s priorities …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the conclusion by confirming it is developing future plans for the Fund from year two onwards, which will establish a broader range of spending options beyond the current FaSS framework through stakeholder engagement and an Expert Advisory Group.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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7
Recommendation
Acknowledged
We welcome the scale of engagement carried out in developing the Fund and note clear...
Recommendation
We welcome the scale of engagement carried out in developing the Fund and note clear evidence that stakeholder views have informed its early design, such as the introduction of competitive rounds in the first year of the fund. However, there …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of engagement, stating the Fund's design continues to be informed by sustained engagement with the sector and an Expert Advisory Group. It indicates that future plans are being developed based on this ongoing engagement but does not detail how specific gaps in representation will be addressed.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
It is not credible for any devolved administration to demand devolution of a scheme and...
Conclusion
It is not credible for any devolved administration to demand devolution of a scheme and then to complain about the financial consequences of them being given what they asked for. It is difficult not to see this as a demand …
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Government Response Summary
The government explains that devolution of the Fund was in response to Devolved Governments' requests and priorities, detailing the £56 million allocated to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It reaffirms commitment to working constructively with Devolved Governments and outlines the renewal of the £1.5 million Seafood Exports Package.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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13
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Trust between government and the fishing industry has been damaged by successive administrations.
Conclusion
Trust between government and the fishing industry has been damaged by successive administrations. Rebuilding that trust is essential if the sector is to deliver its full economic potential for the individuals and communities it supports. Fishers are calling for a …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation regarding damaged trust and the need for stronger engagement with the fishing industry. It claims that close sector working is already embedded and engagement approaches are strengthened, committing to further evolve and improve stakeholder engagement and invest in face-to-face contact.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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15
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We welcome Defra’s trials of regional seafood planning in England, but more benefits will arise...
Conclusion
We welcome Defra’s trials of regional seafood planning in England, but more benefits will arise if the scope and participation of the trials are broadened to better capture the full range of perspectives from fishing communities and the wider seafood …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of broader participation by detailing the strengthened role of Regional Fisheries Groups for inshore fleet engagement. It also highlights trials of new engagement approaches, such as a workshop in St Ives, and is exploring holding more such events to involve a broad range of stakeholders.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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17
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Communication and engagement with the fishing industry on the outcomes of the annual UK–EU consultations...
Conclusion
Communication and engagement with the fishing industry on the outcomes of the annual UK–EU consultations for 2026 regarding changes to technical measures were inadequate, with unclear messaging on implementation timelines and confusion even among delivery bodies. This has left industry …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's scrutiny regarding communication of UK-EU consultation outcomes, defending its past engagement under urgent and confidential conditions. It commits to building on its approach for future technical measures in the Channel and Irish Sea, ensuring clear communication and support for stakeholders.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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23
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Spatial squeeze poses significant and growing challenges, with an increasing number of sectors competing for...
Conclusion
Spatial squeeze poses significant and growing challenges, with an increasing number of sectors competing for limited marine space. Although initiatives such as the MSPri programme are intended to inform cross- departmental policy and planning, the absence of any reference to …
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Government Response Summary
The government commits to finding appropriate ways to improve overall transparency for the MSPri programme but rejects the need for an addendum to the North Sea Future Plan, stating the NSFP already acknowledges MSPri's role in considering future demands on marine space.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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