Why fishermen in Devon and Cornwall feel let down after Brexit

In 2019, a flotilla of boats set off from a Cornish fishing port, campaigning for Brexit and “taking back control” of British waters. Four years after the agreement was ratified, fishermen in Devon and Cornwall feel they have been let down and say they have lost faith in politicians ahead of the general election.

There’s a mini frenzy in the sky as a trawler unloads its catch on Newlyn Quay.

But it’s fair to say the same doesn’t apply to anglers when asked about the choices.

“I don’t think it matters who I vote for – they’re all lying,” said fisherman Dave Toy.

He said it was not what he voted for and as a result saw no point in voting in the general election.

Fishermen said they wanted Brexit to boost fish stocks but received more paperwork.

The government said the measures improved both the safety and management of fish stocks.

Fisherman Graham Nicholas said life post-Brexit was difficult.

He said he was angry with the Tories but did not believe either major party would provide the help the industry needed.

“We’ve been decked by the Tories (but) I don’t think Labor would have done better for us,” he said.

“The two main parties I have no time for at all.”

Fish exporter Ian Perkes, from Brixham, Devon, said he voted for Brexit but was not told about the changes it would involve.

He said his business had suffered because of the extra costs incurred by the paperwork required to export fish to the EU.

Speaking about the Leave campaign’s pledges, he said: “Well now I’ve realized they had no idea.

“I’m giving Boris Johnson the benefit of the doubt – I’m assuming he wasn’t aware of all these costs, all the complications, which didn’t get any better.

“They actually got worse because costs went up.”