Commenting on the publication of the interim report by the Inquiry into Future Fisheries Management (IFFM) which calls for urgent reform to the European rules governing the Scottish fishing industry, Liberal Democrat Fisheries spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

"The IFFM's interim report lends further weight to Liberal Democrat calls for more regional management of our key fisheries.

"The report's findings reinforce widespread concerns about the current Common Fisheries Policy, but stop well short of calling for its abolition.

"Members of the inquiry team recognise the practical and political realities and have made recommendations that can and should be delivered.

"By contrast, SNP Ministers insist on nothing less than withdrawal from the CFP. This pointless political grandstanding undermines Scotland’s negotiating position with European Commission and Member States on reform of the CFP.

"It is now clear that the SNP government's position is not even backed by Ministers' own advisory group."

Ends.