No 10 urges fishing fleet cuts

A Downing Street report was today urging cuts in Britain's fishing fleet to ensure a future for the industry.

Worst hit would be the Scottish cod, haddock and plaice fleet, which has already halved in size over recent years. The paper from Tony Blair's Strategy Unit calls for a further 13 per cent cut, amid concerns about dwindling cod stocks.

The demands met fierce resistance from Scottish fishermen.

Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw was set to launch the report in Edinburgh along with his counterpart in Scotland's devolved administration, Allan Wilson.

Hamish Morrison, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation, said the recommendations from No10 were "based on a false premise". He added: "We will resist the cuts absolutely."

The report is also expected to put forward proposals for a four-year tie-up of another 30 per cent of the fleet, paid for by the industry itself.

Scottish National Party MP Alex Salmond said: "The majority of fish fished by Scottish fishermen are in sustainable condition and, if anything, catches should be increased."