FISHERMEN FROM THE PHILIPPINES WORKING ON THE WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND

Early day motion 1739, tabled 24 June 2009 by Angus MacNeil (Scottish National Party). Signed by 15 members.

That this House strongly believes that the Government should quickly reconsider its policies regarding fishermen from the Philippines working in the waters around the Outer Hebrides and west coast of Scotland by establishing a six month moratorium on deportations; notes that these fishermen are not unskilled workers as they need several qualifications to engage in the fishing profession while filling a severe shortage of skilled fishing labour in the Western Isles; and further notes that deporting these fishermen will be yet another blow to the Isles as the Government is already planning to close the Hebrides Range which will result in the loss of almost 120 jobs.

Signatures by party: Labour 5, Scottish National Party 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.