AS a proud island nation, fishing has always played a vital part in our everyday lives.

But, sadly, we have watched as our fishing fleets were relentlessly decimated thanks to the EU's Common Fisheries Policy.

With Brexit we have the chance to rebuild our fleets, reclaim our 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and finally escape from the CFP.

But now the EU is brazenly demanding continued access to British waters as a bargaining chip in the Brexit negotiations.

They could do with a slap in the face with a wet kipper, frankly.

Theresa May must stand up to their bully-boy tactics and fight for our right to take back full ownership and control of our waters.

This really is sink or swim time.

Paul Nuttall, North West MEP UK Independence Party