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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the press release entitled Government to launch £360m Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, published on 19 May 2025, whether he plans to also introduce a (a) cross-Departmental and (b) long-term strategic plan for the fishing and seafood sector.

This Government will always stand up for the British fishing industry and coastal communities. Launching the “Fishing & Coastal Growth Fund” and investing £360 million over the next 12 years will support the next generation of fishermen and breathe new life into our coastal communities.

We will be engaging with other Government Departments to target investment where it matters most. For example, continuing our work with the Department of Business and Trade on promoting the seafood sector to export our high-quality produce across the world.

We recognise the calls from across the sector for a long-term strategy for fisheries and seafood. We are keen to engage with stakeholders to explore this further and shape a strategic approach that supports the industry's future.