Sless, if you get the chance could you ask him why the commercials are pandered to even when their activities in many people's opinions will very quickly lead to the complete disappearance of Cod from our waters. On the other hand we are being asked to begin paying more money for greater restriction on what we are involved in - a sport / hobby / tradition that has loads of great things associated with it, An intimate appreciation of our coastline and wildlife, an opportunity to relax in peace alone or with like minded friends, the technical challenges of casting and rig tying, wreck drifting and tackle choice, the connections it allows us to make with our kids and other young people away from the problems associated with urban life and commercial pressure. The chance it gives many of us to continue learning and benefit from the experience and stories of anglers older than ourselves. The sheer pleasure of getting home to a cup of tea after enduring sometimes horrendous conditions and demanding treks to get to our marks - And on the odd occasion the complete and utter total buzz the act of actually catching one of the blighters.
You might like to add that Sea anglers contribute vastly more to the economy than the commercial white fish industry, I think its 100's of millions v's a billion plus.
It's fecking madness
My guess is it has something to do with voices of a little gang of professional commercial lobbyists representing the few remaining big boys being heard by The Politicians on account of them hanging out in the same sleazy spots (Parliament and that) the word coming out of working mens clubs and canteens is NEVER listened to because they are NEVER there to hear it.
Cheers, let me know what he says