Former Conservative MEP Daniel Hannan has been roundly mocked online on Monday after claiming fish products could provide a massive opportunity for Britain's economy if it were to retain full control of waters after Brexit.
Despite only accounting for 0.1% of the UK economy, fishing has become a point of contention between the UK and the European Union over who will retain access to waters.
Hannan, who is a staunch supporter of Brexit, wrote in the Telegraph on Sunday that the use of various fish by-products could provide massive economic opportunities after the UK leaves withdraws from EU rules at the end of this year.
According to Hannan, the monotisation of fish byproducts such as bones, scales, guts, heads, and enzymes could see centres like Hull and Grimsby – which both voted to leave the union in the 2016 referendum – benefit significantly.
The suggestion was ridiculed online for being an underwhelming materialisation of the original Brexit promises such as £350 million for the NHS.
One user pointed out the lack of available fish in the now overfished waters.
Others criticised the plan for being reliant on a part of the economy which is comparatively small and is largely not based in Hull and Grimsby.
Some, however, were quick to highlight that Brexit was about sovereignty and taking back control over UK territory.
Britain and the EU will resume post-Brexit trade deal in London on Monday as Michel Barnier delays his return to Brussels.
The EU’s chief negotiator will reportedly stay in the UK until Wednesday to follow up with discussions with his British counterpart Lord Frost. over an eventual trade deal.
At present, the major hurdles to achieving an agreement are the rights to fishing waters, the “level playing field” state aid rules, and the status of Northern Ireland.