Bid to make Lowestoft a fishing industry powerhouse of post-Brexit Britain reaches parliament

June Mummery, George Eustice, Paul Lines and Peter Aldous in Westminster. Picture: James McDermott-Hill (Image: James McDermott-Hill)

Representatives from the newly-formed Lowestoft Fish Market Alliance (LFMA) met with George Eustice - the government's minister for fishing - in Westminster on Wednesday, as they look to bring the port to the forefront of the fishing industry.

The meeting came about after the alliance approached Waveney MP Peter Aldous, as part of their continuous efforts to put the town's fishing industry firmly in the government's thoughts, as it sails towards uncertain waters of Brexit.

A number of issues were discussed as part of the meeting, from the port's infrastructure to fishing quotas, however, the main objective was to ensure that while the government plans for leaving the European Union, it keeps Lowestoft firmly in mind.

Mr Aldous said: 'We want to make sure the port is on the government's radar, as there is a real opportunity to reinvigorate the local fishing industry.

There is real potential to rejuvenate the industry around the east coast, centring on Lowestoft.

'We are also now very keen to find out the real strengths and weaknesses of the port and what we need to do to make sure the town is ready for whatever the coming years bring.'

June Mummery, vice chairman of the LFMA, was greatly satisfied with how the meeting panned out, and has high hopes for the future of the town's fishing industry - which she has vehemently campaigned to protect.

She said: 'The meeting was very productive and I feel the minister and his team understood the advantages, infrastructure and skills we have as a port and that there is a lot of industry that could come with this.

'Not just Lowestoft - the whole east coast, but we do see the port as the central hub of this.'

One outcome of the meeting is that the government has agreed to work with the alliance on securing funds to carry out a feasibility study into the port, to establish its strengths and what weaknesses need addressing to best prepare it for the future.

Paul Lines, also of the alliance, said: 'I think Lowestoft is set for a huge future. I feel it was a very positive meeting and we were able to discuss what improvements and changes will have to be made after Brexit.'