PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak has been urged to visit Leigh after the “fantastic” discovery of large beds of rare shellfish in the Thames estuary.

Paul Gilson, a fisherman in Leigh for more than half a century, recently found a number of razor clams and manila clams.

At Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday, Anna Firth, Conservative MP for Southend West, praised Mr Gilson for uncovering the clams, “which are highly prized around the world”.
Mr Sunak responded by saying he hopes to be able to come to Leigh to visit Ms Firth and “see the incredible discovery”.

Speaking at the Commons yesterday, Ms Firth said: “Will the Prime Minister join me in congratulating fisherman Mr Paul Gilson on his proactive work, and will he come to Leigh to meet my local fishermen, so we can discuss how to maximise this brilliant Brexit bonus for Essex fishermen?”

The Prime Minister told Ms Firth he welcomed the “fantastic discovery”.

Mr Sunak said: “We have been capitalising on the benefits of Brexit since we left the European Union and we are making sure that we can transform opportunity in the UK, particularly in fishing communities.”

Mr Sunak told the Commons Mark Spencer, Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries, would be “happy” to meet with Ms Firth to discuss it further, adding: “I hope I also have the opportunity to come and see her and see this incredible discovery for myself.”

One of the perceived “Brexit benefits” was the removal of EU quotas over fishing. 

The Government introduced new measures last year “to deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry and healthy marine environment” after the departure from EU rules.

As the elected representative for the South East branch of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, Mr Gilson represents the fishing industry nationally and internationally.

He has previously said: “I am passionate about the environment and want more protection for it.”