TWO Borders councillors failed to agree over Brexit’s impact on seafood exports during a full council meeting last week.

Major seafood companies – including D.R. Collin & Son in Eyemouth – have recently highlighted how 'red tape' has prevented them sending products to European markets.

‘Red tape’ is the term given to paperwork and new checks caused by the UK leaving the EU.

Last November, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for economic regeneration and finance, Mark Rowley, said that he did not see “a significant risk” to the fishing community in Eyemouth regarding the departure from the EU.

During the open questions section of the council meeting last Thursday (January 28), East Berwickshire councillor Helen Laing referenced Mr Rowley’s previous comments.

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Ms Laing, of the SNP, said: “In light of the recent catastrophic delays due to a sea of red tape, and the resultant serious risk to the survival of many businesses, would the executive member like to revise his response?”

In response, Mr Rowley, of the Conservatives, described the red tape as “a key issue”, but stopped short at backtracking on his previous statements.

“I stand by my comments in November,” he said. “I have no doubt that our demand from our European neighbours and others for that exceptional product will continue.

“We have to acknowledge that there are issues in exporting shellfish at the moment – there’s no point in ignoring that.

“It seems to me that those are mainly with the introduction of the HMRC and the French system. I understand those issues are being worked on as a huge priority. It is vital that all governments work together to resolve this.”

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He added: “It’s made far, far worse by the complete loss of the hospitality market for shellfish, with COVID literally shredding eating out both at home and abroad.”

The UK Government recently announced a £23 million compensation package to businesses affected by the red tape, which Mr Rowley says will give them some “short-term respite”.

“I welcome the £23 million compensation scheme from the UK Government for those affected,” he said.

“The long-term outlook is very positive just because of the sheer quality of the stuff we are producing from the Borders.”

Given an opportunity to provide a supplementary question, Ms Laing said she agreed regarding the quality of the product but feels that the compensation falls far short of what is needed.

“The problem is getting the product to market,” she said. “You call this a short-term issue, I’m afraid I don’t hold your confidence on that as your own minister David Duguid said, when asked how long it would take, ‘How long is a piece of string?’

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“In terms of the £23 million – capped at £100,000 per business – D.R. Collin in Eyemouth is losing about £150,000 in sales per day. This compensation is a drop in the ocean.”

Ms Laing asked Mr Rowley to contact UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson regarding the compensation package.

In response, Mr Rowley said he was “happy to write to ministers” about the issue.