South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay has raised the plight of local fishermen in a parliamentary debate on the future of the UK’s fisheries policy.

The MP sought to achieve undertakings from the Fishing Minister, George Eustice, that the UK would leave the Common Fisheries Policy immediately on Brexit Day and outside of any implementation period.

Mr Mackinlay claimed that we were now approaching a “crisis point” for the under 10m fishing fleets that make up the bulk of Ramsgate’s fishing fleet.

Arguing that Thanet’s local fleet “simply cannot wait”, Mr Mackinlay called for the immediate end of the “disastrous” Commons Fisheries Policy.

Ramsgate MV Razor Bill skipper Steve Barratt, has claimed that: “The Ramsgate fleet are all tied up and not through lack of fish but lack of quota. Meanwhile, just a few miles off the coast, Belgian and Dutch ‘Super-Trawlers’ are catching everything.”

Mr Mackinlay also called for an end to the controversial pulse beam fishing, saying that: “really importantly we need to unilaterally ban pulse beaming - it has been catastrophic on spawning areas.”

Highlighting research from the UK Hydrographic Office that shows 60% of all fish caught in UK waters was caught by EU fishermen, Mr Mackinlay called for a “step change” in the way in which Britain approaches fishing as an industry.

With 95% of all boats on the South Coast being under 10m, Mackinlay called for “a deal that works for them”.

Mr Mackinlay told the debate that: “what we do not want is that during that implementation period we somehow get dragged along with a perpetual CFP. We have the opportunity for a Brexit dividend, we have an opportunity to take control of our sea and to rejuvenate our local fishing communities.

"I certainly call on the Government to exempt fishing from any transitional deal.”

In what could be a positive sign for Thanet’s fishing fleet - the Minister, George Eustice, indicated that change could be imminent saying: “A Fisheries Bill is expected before the Summer recess” and indicated a “long-term aim” to address problems with thornback rays in the Kent Coast.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Mackinlay, welcomed the encouraging signals from the Minister, saying: “I’m pleased that the Minister was characteristically receptive and I will be continuing to push him for further action to save our local fleet.”