“We have fished there [UK waters] for the last 400 years and we want to continue doing so for the next 400 years.
“We don’t want give up one kilo,” says Diek Parlevliet, chairman of the Dutch Fish Marketing Board.
As the UK and the EU aim to settle a fisheries deal, it’s clear the Dutch are not in a charitable mood. At best they might maintain the status quo and continue fishing in UK waters – at worst they fear access will be denied or limited and they will lose out.
Visting the Dutch port of Den Helder it’s clear they’re nervous.
Guido Betsema has spent 35 years at sea. He fishes for sole and plaice, spending 80 per cent of his time in UK waters.
“I’m afraid that the UK say: “Stop. No fishing in our waters.'”
He’d prefer nothing to change, arguing that everyone in both the UK and EU is earning a living at the moment and there is no need to rock the boat.
Fishing is a tiny industry that would barely dent UK finances if it ceased to exist – and fishermen in the UK are worried they will be traded away by the politicians for more valuable industries.
What they want is a fairer share of the fish and anything other than would be unacceptable to the British fleet.
ITV plc 2020