A Bill to make provision about policy objectives in relation to fisheries, fishing and aquaculture; to make provision about access to British fisheries; to make provision about the licensing of fishing boats; to make provision about the determination and distribution of fishing opportunities; to make provision enabling schemes to be established for charging for unauthorised catches of sea fish; to make provision about grants in connection with fishing, aquaculture or marine conservation; to make provision about the recovery of costs in respect of the exercise of public functions relating to fish or fishing; to confer powers to make further provision in connection with fisheries, aquaculture or aquatic animals; to make provision about byelaws and orders relating to the exploitation of sea fisheries; and for connected purposes.
House of Commons
24 September 2019
The Fisheries Bill lays out the government's aims for fisheries, fishing and aquaculture, how access to British waters is managed, and how fishing boats are licensed. It also covers how fishing opportunities are determined and shared, schemes to charge for unauthorised catches, grants for fishing, aquaculture and marine conservation, and powers to make further rules, including byelaws and orders affecting sea fisheries.
The Bill is at the Commons Report Stage, following consideration of amendments proposed in the Lords (amendments debated in October 2020). More stages in both Houses are required before it becomes law.
In the Lords, four amendments were defeated by large majorities (Noes around 335 vs Ayes 65–197). A reasoned amendment by Mr Blackford also failed (49 Aye, 326 No). Across parties, Labour, Lib Dems, SNP and others largely supported the amendments, while the Conservative Party and some others opposed.
Generated 21 February 2026
Based on 4 recorded votes • Sorted by % Aye