FISHERMEN want to grab back more than 200 miles of territorial waters during Brexit talks.

New Environment Secretary Michael Gove says he wants to hear from fishermen about their “real priorities” as Britain prepares to leave the European Union.

Leigh fisherman Paul Gilson, 63, will be one of those lobbying Mr Gove to get the best deal possible on UK exclusion zones for foreign fishing vessels.

He said: “I am looking for an exclusion zone at least to 12 miles in the channel. That would be non-negotiable. Beyond that 12 mile limit we would want 200 miles to the meridian line. We want the North Sea cut in half.

“The volume of water controlled by the EU would be hugely reduced. The Norwegians are pleased because it will keep them out of their water as well.”

Mr Gilson added: “We have got to look at it practically since we have got a big, wide open space but 12 miles is a lot to us. For Scotland in particular the 200 miles should be on the cards to protect them from problems on the south west approach. The Dutch and French have a tremendous fishing effort there and we really need to push these people out.” With Brexit negotiations having just got under way, Mr Gove will visit Peterhead, in north-east Scotland, to speak to key figures from the fishing industry.

Many of those in the sector backed Brexit, and Mr Gove will have talks with Bertie Armstrong, the chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, about prospects outside of the EU.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Gove said: “The UK is a proud fishing nation and this industry is crucial for many coastal communities around the Scottish coast and Northern Isles.

“That is why I made sure one of my first visits as Environment Secretary was to Peterhead, famous for its fishing heritage, to hear directly from fishermen about what their real priorities are in the upcoming negotiations.”