Alex Salmon: Urging CFP withdrawal

Alex Salmond has renewed his call for the UK to withdraw from Europe's common fisheries policy.

The Scottish National Party leader described the policy as "disastrous for Scotland's fishing communities".

His comments came ahead of a Commons debate on his Fisheries Jurisdiction Bill, which was expected to receive its second reading on Friday.

The legislation, which stands no chance of becoming law, would implement a unilateral withdrawal from the EU fisheries policy.

Power would be returned to the Northern Ireland assembly, Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly, while the UK parliament would become responsible for English waters.

Salmond was also submitting a petition in favour of his policy which has been compiled by the "cod crusaders" based in his Banff and Buchan constituency.

"The common fisheries policy has been disastrous for Scotland's fishing communities, the Scottish economy and our maritime environment," said Salmond.

"It is imperative that we remove the dead hand of Brussels mismanagement as soon as possible.

"We need only look to our neighbours in the Faroe Islands and Norway to see an economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable industry."

With the sector estimated to be worth around £2 billion to the Scottish economy, Salmond warned that the country cannot "continue to let that crucial industry down".

"Fishermen need to be given a stronger voice in the management of the resource," he said.

"They know the industry best and it is they who have the biggest interest in its sustainability.

"The common fisheries policy continues to damage fishing communities.

"It is imperative that we get out to ensure that there is a future in the industry for the generations of fishermen to come."