LONDON: British fishermen launched protests in ports around the country on Sunday over perceived capitulation to the European Union in Brexit negotiations.

Organisers estimated as many as 200 vessels could participate in the day-long nationwide action, forming flotillas bearing flags and sounding horns as people also demonstrate on docksides.

“Fishermen and fishing communities are enraged that the government has capitulated to Britain having to obey all EU law after Brexit,” said the pro-Brexit organising group Fishing for Leave, in a statement.

“Fishermen fear the EU will be able to enforce ill-founded rules to cull the British fleet and use international law to claim the resources the UK would no longer be able to catch.” Protests began in Newcastle, where a 15-boat flotilla assembled on Sunday morning, before others mustered in Milford Haven, Wales, and Plymouth, southwest England, later in the day. Further demonstrations were set for other sites, including Whitstable, Kent, where up to 40 vessels are expected and organisers plan to burn a disused boat in a shore-side bonfire during the evening.

“I think this is going to draw attention — we want our voice heard,” said Brendon Hall, 21, of Teignmouth, Devon, who followed his father into the industry four years ago and had sailed to Plymouth to protest.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2018