WEST Devon MP Geoffrey Cox has reiterated the importance of the recent welcome news that the ban on fishing small eyed ray has been lifted.

The MP lobbied the Government for several months to have the EU ban lifted, which he felt was wholly unnecessary as it related to a fish that is abundant in a responsible sustainable fishery such as Northern Devon.

He also held repeated meetings with the Fisheries Minister and officials, making strong representations on behalf of the local fishing industry.

MP Cox said: ‘The fishing industry is vital for the economy in Torridge and North Devon and I am really glad that the fishermen and their families can now look forward with some modest confidence this year.

‘Regrettably though they are still left with the effects of a deeply flawed common fisheries policy and I will continue to work hard to ensure that this does not have a further negative impact on the industry on which they rely so heavily.’