Fishermen in East Anglia could lose their livelihoods because of red tape surrounding medical certificates which prove they are healthy enough to go to sea, one of the region's MPs has warned.
By the end of November this year, anyone working on a UK fishing vessel must have a certificate of medical fitness from their GPs.
But Waveney MP Peter Aldous, said it was so difficult for people, including those on inshore vessels such as those at Lowestoft, to get certificates that they could quit the industry.
Speaking in a parliamentary debate on Thursday (June 29), he said the issue was "causing enormous worry and distress within the inshore fleet, particularly for those operating single-handed vessels, who risk losing their livelihoods".
Mr Aldous, who chairs the Renaissance of East Anglian Fisheries community interest group, said a doctor had told one fisherman who sought the certificate that it was easier to pass a medical to drive a heavy goods vehicle or 52-passenger coach.
He said: "I’m afraid this is another example of British overzealous gold plating and I’d urge (ministers) to liaise closely to streamline this process."
Conservative Mr Aldous added the heralded revival of the UK's fishing industry after Brexit had yet to materialise and, for some, the issue had got worse.
He said: "I'm afraid the catch opportunities for local fishermen remain poor. This is because we do not have full control over our waters.
"The inshore fleet, which fishes sustainably, has to compete with larger vessels, often non-UK registered and often supertrawlers."
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He said it was vital the situation is addressed when the post-Brexit Trade and Co-operation Agreement is renegotiated in 2026.
Conservative Sheryll Murray, who represents South East Cornwall, said it was "an unnecessary and unacceptable expense" for those on small inshore fishing vessels to secure medical certificates.
A group of MPs want to look at putting in an exemption for boats under 10 metres.
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