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During a plenary debate in the European Parliament last night (12 December 11), the East of England MEP Stuart Agnew has accused the EU of attempting to push through a fisheries deal with Morocco that would be illegal and allow over-fishing of already depleted stocks.
In the joint debate on the ‘EU-Morocco fisheries partnership agreement’, Mr Agnew said: “If this fisheries deal goes ahead, the EU will be in breach of international law. We know it, the UN knows it and even the Parliament’s legal services know it. The financial contribution to Morocco will be £36 million every year, for EU boats to plunder over-fished stocks.
“The Commission has provided no assurances that the Western Saharan people will benefit from this deal. I don’t doubt that the money will be hoovered up by the Moroccan authorities. Despite all this, the Commission doesn’t care and wants the deal.”
Mr Agnew expressed his dismay at a resolution by the Liberal Democrat political group which attempted to get the debate cancelled and urged the Commission to close the deal as quickly as possible.
“This whole issue shows just how little the EU cares for democracy and human rights around the world” he said.
Mr Agnew’s full speech can be seen at:
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