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Scottish Conservative MEP Struan Stevenson has hit back at an MSP who accused him of “childish name calling” in the row over mackerel quotas with Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Liam McArthur, a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Orkney Islands, launched the unprovoked attack in the midst of a campaign which has so far seen unity among Scottish politicians.
Mr Stevenson has led the charge for Scottish fishermen at EU level, calling for a blockade of Icelandic and Faroese vessels and a ban on imports from the two countries if they refuse to back down from taking excessive mackerel quotas.
Iceland has increased its quota 6500%, from 2,000 to 130,000 tonnes, while the Faroe Islands have more than tripled their catch from 25,000 to 85,000 tonnes. The sums fly in face of scientific advice and threaten the mackerel stock’s long-term health.
The move prompted Mr Stevenson to liken the actions of the two North Atlantic nations to “plundering Vikings”.
Mr Stevenson said: “Liam McArthur should not jeopardise the united front shown so far in Scotland on this crucial issue with ill-advised party political attacks.
“Were it not for my highlighting of this issue and championing of Scottish fishermen, people like him wouldn’t have a bandwagon to jump on.
“I am continuing to push at EU level for a solution that doesn’t endanger mackerel stocks and Scotland’s pelagic fleet.
“But we must not shy away from firm measures such as an EU-wide blockade of Icelandic and Faroese vessels to show them that we mean business. Norway has already acted to this effect and our resolve must be equally great.”
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