Politics

Fishing Fury Erupts as June Mummery Slams Keir Starmer’s “Betrayal” of Industry

Published on May 20, 2025

Former Brexit Party MEP and vocal fisheries advocate June Mummery has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of a “massive betrayal” of the UK fishing industry over his newly announced EU deal.

The controversial 12-year agreement, unveiled by Starmer at a summit in London, has been met with fierce criticism from within the fishing community. Starmer described the deal as being “good for jobs, good for bills and good for our borders.” However, for many in Britain’s coastal towns, the sentiment is far from optimistic.

Speaking to GB News, Mummery condemned the agreement and conveyed the frustration felt across the fishing sector. “The mood is absolutely awful,” she said. “I’ve been down to the fish market with various people, chatting to fishermen. They are very, very, very upset, very disappointed and absolutely furious. This is the nail in the coffin.”

She questioned the Prime Minister’s rationale for committing to a 12-year deal, saying, “Where did this 12 years come from? He obviously knows he won’t get in next time does he think he’ll get in another 12 years’ time? How can he do this?”

Mummery emphasized that the damage extends beyond those at sea. “This isn’t just about fishermen, it’s the processing side of things. There’s a lot of other jobs involved with it, but no, it’s awful, and I really do not know the answer to this.”

Asked if the fishing industry might rise in revolt over the deal, Mummery was skeptical, pointing to the aging demographic within the sector. “You’ve got to remember, the demographic of a fisherman now is over 60-years-old. We haven’t got youngsters coming into it,” she explained.

“And who on earth would come into the industry now? That man’s given it away and stolen our aspirations and our opportunities.” She expressed deep dismay at the perceived surrender of British territorial waters. “What leader of a country would do this to the people and give away our territorial waters? We are supposed to be an independent coastal state.”

In a fiery conclusion, Mummery suggested forming an alliance with UK farmers, who have also voiced outrage over Labour’s policies. “We could unite with the farmers because it’s about food security… My phone’s been pinging all day.”

Comparing the EU deal to the ongoing migrant crisis, she said: “When he said he was going to stop the boats, we didn’t realise he meant he was going to stop the fishing boats in his own country.”

“Fish is a public asset, it belongs to the public. Did Keir Starmer at any point ask the people if he could trade away their sovereignty? No.”