Half of ‘all chip shops are at risk of closure’ as Putin could pull out of fishing treaty

Vladimir Putin is threatening to tear up a treaty which allows British fishing boats into the Barents Sea that has been in place since 1956.

At the time Russia was the USSR who agreed in 1956 to allow British fishing vessels to fish off the coast of Norway.

According to a Russian publication, Izvestiya has said Russia’s Agriculture Minister wants to ban British fishing vessels and a draft document has been presented to parliament.

Around 40% of haddock and cod sold in the UK is from the Barents Sea, this will then weaponise the products that could see around “half of all chip shops” facing closure.

Speaking to Sky News, the president of the UK’s National Federation of Fish Friers Andrew Cook said, “For the last two years we’ve experienced really high prices on fish, which we’re still paying the price for.

“Any business that had savings that’s all been eroded because we’ve been paying a lot for fish – and potatoes.”

He then accused Putin of “weaponising food” which is not “a good thing for the world.”

Sarsons who make vinegar said in 2023 that there is around 10,500 fish and chip shops and there could be just 5,000 left in the next three years.

A spokesperson for Sarsons said, “It’s no secret our chippies are facing turbulent times.

“Half of all chip shops are at risk of closure within the next two years because of rising ingredients, energy, and operational costs.”

Andrew Cook told the Mirror,“Fish and chip shops are so deeply entrenched in our culture and history, the thought of them disappearing is unimaginable.

“But given the threat of closure, this may become a bleak reality.

“From rising cost to operational challenges chippies face, our national dish is in danger.”