Fuel cost concerns on EU agenda

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The Scottish Government has demanded talks with UK ministers to help Scots fishermen being hit by high fuel costs.

Holyrood Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said the fleet was facing having to fork out tens of millions of pounds extra because of the issue.

He will use a meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels to press the need for more assistance for the industry.

The meeting will also be attended by UK Environment Secretary Hilary Benn.

Mr Lochhead said ministers had to ensure the "renewed confidence" in the industry, which followed a period of quota cuts and the scrapping of fishing boats to cut back the fleet, was not undermined.

Government taskforce

"I share the industry's concerns about the serious situation facing fishermen as the viability of many businesses is taken closer to the brink with every increase in the price of fuel," he said.

"The Scottish fleet is being particularly hard hit with prospect of removing tens of millions of pounds from the fleet's profits.

"This is a fuel dependent sector where the vessels simply cannot set sail and go to work without using significant amounts of fuel."

The Scottish Government has already announced its own taskforce to help counter rising fuel prices, including £400,000 towards life raft maintenance and £300,000 to help meet the costs of the warranties vessels must pay on satellite equipment.