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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to reduce overfishing in UK waters.

Our ambition is world-class fisheries management to achieve sustainable fisheries, safeguarding stocks and the environment for the long term.

The Government is fully committed to sustainable fishing and the principle of Maximum Sustainable Yield as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan and our Fisheries White Paper. The objectives in the Fisheries Act, the Joint Fisheries Statement and Fisheries Management Plans collectively reaffirm our commitment to achieving sustainable fishing and protecting the marine environment while tailoring our approach to our unique seas and the needs of our fishing industry.

In our international negotiations, we continue to encourage other coastal States to agree quotas within sustainable limits. We will work closely with neighbouring countries to ensure our seas are managed sustainably, to secure a fair share of quota for UK fishers, and to enable a thriving industry for current and future generations.