Grimsby and Cleethorpes MP Melanie Onn has met with the new Fisheries Minister, outlining the importance of the cluster to him following his appointment.
Stephen Morgan was appointed as a Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on June 12, following the government reshuffle which saw Angela Eagle moved to the Home Office.
The representative for Portsmouth South has been an MP for seven years, and had served as a government whip for the previous nine months, after more than a year as Minister for Early Education following Labour’s 2024 General Election win.
Ms Onn used the Westminster meeting to “discuss our local fish processing industry, as well as this year’s Festival of the Sea”. The latter was supported by Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises.
She followed up with an open invite for him to see the scale of the operations the town prides itself on.
Andrew Oliver, chair of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises – the owner and operator of Grimsby Fish Market – said: “It is vital key ministers are well briefed, and despite the ongoing political uncertainty, it is encouraging to see work continuing, influence being exerted and opportunities taken when presented.
“We hope to welcome the Fisheries Minister to the town with our MP to help gain further understanding of our role here. Grimsby is the gateway to the UK retail and hospitality market for many global seafood species, we’re proud of our legacy, and our continued importance in serving up one of the nation’s most celebrated meals.”
Mr Morgan becomes the third Fisheries Minister in the present parliamentary term, with Daniel Zeichner having initially been appointed, replacing the Conservative he had shadowed in opposition, Sir Mark Spencer. With a change in Prime Minister looming, and a new Cabinet to swiftly follow, it remains to be seen how long Mr Morgan will be in the role, although continuity in less senior roles may be sought.
Ms Onn co-chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries, a neutral, cross-party forum for debate, discussion and learning within Parliament. It was founded by MPs and peers who want to promote and support a thriving and sustainable UK fishing industry, while exploring key questions for the future of fishing, processing, coastal communities and the marine environment.
Welcoming a £132 million investment pot called the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme earlier this year, she said: “Fishing is at the heart of our identity here in Grimsby, and our seafood sector remains one of the most important employers in our community. This investment is a real opportunity to support local businesses, improve infrastructure and help secure the long term future of our fishing and seafood industries.”
Last month saw Grimsby Fish Market welcome HM Ambassador designate to Iceland, Jane Stevens, as part of a factfinding mission ahead of her formal appointment in September.