This is a landmark episode for Fathom and the fishing industry. Appointed on 14th February 2020, Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis MP was still new to the brief when the Covid-19 outbreak hit the UK, wreaking havoc with fishing supply chains and threatening fishing businesses. Last week, her Department announced a £10 million bespoke support package for the fishing industry - recognising many fishermen were falling through the gaps of the general, national grant and loan schemes announced by the Chancellor in response to the pandemic.

On this, our latest Rapid Response episode, Minister Prentis joins us in a one-of-a-kind interview to talk through that £9 million package. Quizzed by host Paul Trebilcock, she discusses:

• How the support package came about and who it’s open to
• Why the length distinction within the package - why that 24m cut-off for fishing vessels looking to access support for fixed costs?
• What further support Defra are willing to consider as the situation continues to evolve with Covid-19
• Why she’s thrilled to see schemes like #FishToYourDoor keeping fishermen fishing during these troubling times. 

Spoiler alert: the Minister agrees to be a repeat Fathom guest. If you’ve got questions you would like to put to her, please contact us on: @Fathom_Podcast and we’ll do our best to get you answers on air! 

Stay safe and well,

The Fathom Team