SCOTLAND'S fishing industry would be exposed to "further betrayal" by the Tories as a result of amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill.
The Scottish Government rejected a deal on the UK's flagship Brexit legislation as it would have meant certain devolved powers returning from Brussels going to Westminster for up to seven years.
While Wales agreed to the new offer, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon rejected the power grab, highlighting the threat it posed to the Scottish Parliament and devolution.
Now, the SNP have slammed the Tory UK Government for putting Scotland's fishing industry at risk with the amendments.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “The Tories have one view of Scottish fishing, and one view alone – they see it as ‘expendable’.
“They think they can do what they want to Scotland’s fishing sector and get away with it – bartering away an industry with a proud past and a bright future, and the many jobs which it supports.
“Just a few weeks ago the Tories let the cat out of the bag, that we would remain in the CFP after Brexit with no seat at the table in negotiations.
"Despite the wild promises of the Brexiteers, under Tory plans there will be no taking back control of Scottish waters, no influence in fishery reforms, no say in quotas – it’s an absolute disgrace.
“The amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill this week will only compound the fears of Scottish fishermen.
“Even if the Scottish Parliament expressly refused consent to Westminster calling the shots on fishing – a devolved power under the Scotland Act – the Tories could dictate rules and impose restrictions on Scottish fishing anyway, without our say.
“We cannot – and will not – agree to legislation that puts Scottish fishing in such peril.
“With hundreds of millions of pounds of value to Scotland’s economy at stake, this situation makes clear that powers over Scottish fishing should be exercised in Scotland – with our government taking the lead to negotiate the best deal, unlike the Tories who will always see the industry as expendable."
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