Newly elected MEP Ann Widdecombe visits Newlyn on Thursday on a fact-finding mission.
The Brexit Party MEP for the South West, who lives on the edge of Dartmoor, will spend the day in the port and in Penzance speaking to fishermen, visiting the harbour and taking a trip around Mount’s Bay on one of the fishing boats.
Campaigner Deborah Cowley who organised the visit, said Ann Widdecombe was “a feisty politician who likes to come prepared, which is why she was keen to hear directly from fishermen about their concerns before she takes up their fight in Europe.
“It’s a learning experience day for Ann. It’s about giving fishermen the chance to tell her what’s happening and how the community feels, where it’s at and the troubles they have had, so she can go out to Brussels and fight their corner.
“It’s about giving her the best idea of the fishing community possible.”
Mrs Cowley, who has been a fishermen’s campaigner for many years, said an event was also being held on later that evening at the Queen’s Hotel in Penzance which between 50 and 60 members of the fishing community were expected to attend to express their concerns, in the hope Ms Widdecombe would take them on board and be better prepared to represent them in her new role as a member of the European Parliament.
She added: “It’s about getting the fishermen’s voices heard. Ann is a well-known politician.
Opinions on Brexit
“For us it’s having a politician who will be doing what’s best for the fishing community in Cornwall.”
Ann Widdecombe will be accompanied by fellow Brexit Party MEP for the South West Christina Jordan.
