A decade after the Brexit referendum, fishermen in the UK continue to express frustration over what they describe as broken promises and unfulfilled expectations. Many in the industry, particularly small independent operators, say the benefits Brexit was supposed to bring have failed to materialize, with government actions viewed as a betrayal of earlier commitments.

The fishing sector was a prominent issue during the 2016 referendum, with Leave campaigners pledging that the UK would regain control of its waters, expel foreign vessels, and free itself from European Union regulations. However, critics say these promises have not been met. Last year, the UK government extended the rights of EU vessels to fish in British waters until 2038 under a renegotiated deal, a move that industry leaders called a betrayal. This extension delays what some saw as a long-promised opportunity for British fishermen to fully reclaim access and quotas in domestic waters.

At Brixham harbour in Devon, a traditional fishing port, many skippers voiced deep dissatisfaction. Martin Rogers, a seasoned scallop skipper with 60 years at sea, said politicians routinely visit the quayside to solicit votes but fail to deliver meaningful support. Rogers emphasized the increasing regulatory burdens fishermen face, including strict daily fishing hours and extensive paperwork. “They’ve been coming down here to get votes and then shaft us at the end of the day,” he said.

Other fishermen highlighted how larger companies have captured a significant share of fishing quotas, squeezing out smaller operators. Shaun Sturtridge, an independent fisherman, said Brexit mainly benefited big corporations while leaving small-scale fishers struggling to compete. “Brexit has done nothing for us,” Sturtridge said, noting that foreign boats continue to fish within British territorial waters while UK vessels face restrictions abroad. He cited instances where it is more economical to seek boat repairs in EU harbours because local facilities are either too expensive or inadequate.

The industry’s economic data offers a mixed picture. In 2024, the UK fishing fleet landed 716,000 tons of fish and shellfish, a 15% increase from the previous year, and operating profits rose 26% to £337 million. Yet, the number of active vessels and full-time fishing jobs have been steadily declining, with England’s fleet shrinking by 4% in 2024, and similar reductions observed in Scotland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, fishermen face the additional challenge of having to fish further from shore in less productive waters.

Local residents and business owners in Brixham also voiced disappointment with the government's handling of the industry post-Brexit. Christine Plummer, who operates a shop near the harbour, expressed sympathy for fishermen and even suggested she might support rejoining the EU to better protect their interests. Meanwhile, pub landlord Matt Heighway acknowledged that a more effective Brexit deal could have benefited the community but said the version delivered was a diluted compromise.

The mood among many in the sector remains one of skepticism and bitterness. George Shipley, acting skipper at Brixham, remarked that politicians have repeatedly failed the industry. “If a politician walked past me now on the quayside, he’d be getting a drink,” he said ominously, alluding to widespread disillusionment among fishermen who feel the promises of Brexit have left them worse off.