North-east fish processors will not need extra permits to send fish to the EU in the event of a no-deal Brexit, MPs have been told.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling revealed, in a Commons question session, that the EU had committed to continuing current arrangements.
He made the comment in response to a question from Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid who has met industry figures concerned they will require European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) papers to export to member countries after Britain leaves the EU.
Mr Grayling told Mr Duguid that businesses in his constituency should be “reassured” by the EU’s position.
He said: “His constituents will be reassured and we have written to all applicants for the permits, to indicate to them the European Union’s position they intend to continue current arrangements.
“We of course put through the measures to make sure there was a contingency plan which was supported across this House.
“But I do not expect it to be needed because we will continue with the current arrangements – according to the EU itself.”
Mr Duguid, speaking to the Press and Journal, said: “The EU and this Government know it is important to keep our food supply chains moving, whether there is a deal or not.
“The UK will leave the common fisheries policy and will have full control of its waters, but in order for processors in my constituency to take advantage of that, the international movement of fish needs to be as close to business as usual as possible.
“I am thankful to the Secretary of State for giving these assurances that will be the case.”
