Nigel Farage has pledged to restore the United Kingdom’s fishing waters exclusively to British fishermen if he becomes Prime Minister, criticizing current arrangements between the UK and the European Union. Speaking at an event in the port city of Plymouth, Farage condemned the existing deal, negotiated under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as a betrayal of the British fishing industry.

The agreement permits European fishing vessels continued access to UK waters, including areas as close as six miles from the coast. Farage emphasized his commitment to reestablishing traditional fishing rights, advocating for a 12-mile exclusive fishing zone around the UK coastline. This proposal aligns with ongoing campaigns urging the government to fully respect the 2016 Brexit referendum mandate, which saw more than 17 million people vote to leave the EU.

At the rally, Farage highlighted the importance of regaining sovereignty over territorial waters, describing it as a fundamental aspect of the Brexit process. He signaled his intention to unilaterally impose a 12-mile fishing boundary if elected, regardless of European Union opposition. "If they don’t like it in Brussels, tough luck," he said, underscoring a willingness to prioritize British interests over diplomatic objections.

The comments came ahead of a scheduled meeting between Andy Burnham, a prominent Remain supporter, and EU officials in Brussels. Burnham, who previously campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU and advocated for a second referendum, has expressed aspirations for the UK to rejoin the bloc "in my lifetime." When questioned on his changing stance regarding Brexit, Burnham declined to provide a detailed response.

The issue of fishing rights remains a contentious point in post-Brexit UK-EU relations, reflecting broader debates about sovereignty and control over natural resources. Alongside fisheries, advocates including Farage call for the UK to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, strengthen border controls, and remove what they describe as excessive EU regulatory burdens on businesses.

At the time of reporting, the government had not issued a comment on Farage’s latest statements or the ongoing discussions surrounding fishing rights.