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Fishermen Mick Mahon's campaigning voyage to London has ended.
He sailed in to the capital on Saturday - 22 days after leaving his home
port of Newlyn in support of the 'Save British Fish' campaign.
He had planned to tie-up his 29-ft trawler the J-Anne near to Traitors
Gate at the Tower of London and hand over copies of each EU treaty signed
by the UK. However he was told he would no be allowed.
Several days earlier he claims he was banned from entering Folkestone
harbour - the constituency of Conservative leader Michael Howard. Mick
who was port-hopping to publicize the campaign for withdrawal of the UK
from Europe was refused entry to the port despite, he says, having made
arrangements beforehand and explaining that he suffers from mild diabetes.
"I was furious when Folkestone Port Authorities refused me entry
because I have had a smashing welcome everywhere else," he said.
"First of all I was told there was no berth, but I found out that
there was plenty of berthing space."
Folkestone port facilities manager, Derek Mann said: "Because Folkestone
is a working port we are fully aware of the needs of fishermen and the
skipper was not refused entry to the port, although he requested a berth
alongside a quay that we simply hadn't got.
"So he was offered an outer mooring space and was aware the he could
row ashore without any problems. We realize the quest he was on, with
flags on his vessel. Our only stipulation, which is company policy, was
that he must not hand out leaflets or stickers while on company premises.
However there was nothing to stop him landing them outside the gates."
Elsewhere Mick Mahon said he had been "overwhelmed" by the
massive public response on his voyage.
"It has been absolutely brilliant. Some ports have been a complete
damp squib, but overall I am over the moon about it," said Mick adding
that he knew he would not be allowed near Traitors Gate.
article copyright © THE CORNISHMAN
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