The Company played a pivotal role in supporting a major moment for UK–EU fisheries cooperation this month. On 11 March, the All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fisheries welcomed Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, to Fishmongers’ Hall for a strategic discussion on shared priorities shaping the future of both UK and EU waters.
As the principal funder of the APPG Secretariat, the Fisheries Charitable Trust enables the Group to operate as a neutral, cross‑party forum that brings parliamentarians together to explore the opportunities and challenges facing the UK’s fishing sector. This support also underpins the APPG’s work to develop its Action Plan for a Sustainable and Thriving UK Fishing Industry, which aims to provide a clear strategic framework for long‑term sector resilience.
During the meeting, APPG Co‑Chair Alistair Carmichael MP emphasised the importance of continued engagement between the UK and EU, noting:
“As an island nation, fishing is vital to the UK’s ocean economy, supporting livelihoods and regional economies, while providing a sustainable, climate-smart source of nutrition. Though the UK and EU now operate under separate frameworks, our fisheries remain connected. Constructive engagement like this is key to building the shared understanding and respect needed to support sustainable management, safeguard regulatory autonomy, and secure prosperous fishing communities.”
Reflecting on the Company’s role in hosting the delegation and supporting the APPG’s work, Andrew Wallace, Fisheries Director at The Fishmongers’ Company, highlighted the unique value of such dialogue:
“As a neutral, cross-party group, the APPG plays a vital role in Parliament in supporting a sustainable and thriving UK fishing industry. We are proud to facilitate this through our support for the Secretariat and for the Group’s ambitious and progressive initiative to develop an industry Action Plan. We were delighted to host this constructive exchange. Meetings like this demonstrate the positive role the Group can play in strengthening cooperation for sustainable fisheries by providing a forum to discuss priorities and shared challenges, including at an international level.”
By convening this high‑level discussion at Fishmongers’ Hall, the Company helped reinforce the importance of collaboration, transparency, and shared stewardship of marine resources, principles that lie at the heart of the Trust’s mission and the wider Fisheries Programme.
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2026
