Mr Titford said fishermen are now in the invidious position of being unable to put to sea in order to catch the meagre amounts of fish they are still allowed to land, because the cost of fuel makes it unprofitable, before they start. He went on to attack the British Government for “abandoning” the fishermen “over many years” and for doing so again in respect of their cries for help in the present fuel crisis.

The European Commission has announced a package of emergency measures to assist fishermen, which have been agreed in principle but have to be formally approved by fisheries ministers on June 24. However, a major part of these ‘aid’ proposals involves decommissioning of vessels and many of the proposed measures are temporary and may not assist fishermen in the under 10 metre fleet as they give priority to larger vessels travelling longer distances to fish.

The resolution calls for the European Commission and the EU's member states to work with the fishing industry to find solutions in the short, medium and long terms to the ongoing crisis.

The parliamentary text recognises that certain governments have already initiated schemes aimed at reducing fuel consumption and commits EU support for such initiatives.

Mr Hudghton commented: "The soaring cost of fuel is having a crippling effect on the fishing industry and politicians from across Europe have united to express solidarity with fishermen.

"However, words are not enough and what the industry needs is concrete action from governments.

"The European parliament has expressly recognised such initiatives as the Scottish Government's Fuel Task Force and has given its support to schemes aimed at reducing fuel consumption.

"However, many of the powers required to alleviate the current situation remain in London and the Westminster government seem to be sticking to their traditional role of ignoring the fishing industry's needs.

"It is scandalous that the Scottish fishing industry is suffering while Alistair Darling is raking in a windfall from North Sea oil.

"Politicians from around Europe have expressed serious concerns at the ongoing crisis and this ought to pile more shame on the London government."

Elspeth Attwooll also backed the emergency measures adopted today by the European Parliament to solve the current fuel crisis.

Speaking after the vote in the Strasbourg Parliament she said:

“The measures set out in the Commission Package and the resolution can help our fishermen to weather the current storm, but it is important that they are applied across all EU Member States. The provision of aid under the de minimis rule and the use of the European Fisheries Fund in particular should be consistent to maintain a level playing-field.

"Taking coordinated action against illegal fishing is also important, both to maintain the price of legally caught fish as well as conserve fish stocks overall.

“The other measures, including but going beyond restructuring to energy efficiency and alternative energy sources, also serve environmental purposes.

"In adopting them we can bring benefits for our beleaguered fishermen and our endangered planet alike”.