Jack McConnell has rejected opposition calls for the scrapping of the common fisheries policy.

Amid Brussels-agreed moves to dramatically reduce the size of the Scottish fishing fleet, both the SNP and the Conservatives called for a fundamental renegotiation of the EU fisheries deal.

Speaking in the Holyrood parliament, the first minister defended the EU-wide approach to the industry.

But McConnell conceded that the common fisheries policy had to operate "more in the interests of Scotland".

"That is why we support and demand improved decision making within the common fisheries policy, but it is also why we support and demand changes that give this parliament and this devolved government more of a role at the European level," he said.

Dismissing opposition demands for Scotland to walk away, he said: "In the real world you have to negotiate and win the argument."

Scottish Conservative leader David McLetchie said his party would take Britain out of the CFP.

"The way to end the common fisheries policy is not to focus on some distant referendum but to elect a United Kingdom government, a Conservative government, which is pledged to restoring national and local control over our fisheries," he said.

Nationalist leader John Swinney adopted a similar stance - calling on the first minister to put Scotland first.

"Our priorities here are to fight for the vital national industries of Scotland," he said.

"It is a disgrace that the biggest obstacle in the process is the first minister of Scotland.

"Why won't the first minister take the opportunity to defend a vital national industry in Scotland.

"Why won't the first minister put the national interest before his party interest."