THE boss of a major seafood company in the Borders says his "huge" European market has "gone overnight" because of Brexit.

James Cook, the managing director of DR Collin in Eyemouth, told Channel 4 News this week that his business "can't get anything out of the country at the moment".

This is due to new checks and paperwork required to trade with the EU.

He said: "We are having to bring them [langoustines] out and actually drown them.

"Normally, they would be off to France alive.

"We have served our European customers for 20-plus years with a lovely product.

"We have established a huge market and suddenly, overnight, it is gone.

"We can't get anything out of the country at the moment."

Borders MP John Lamont brought up the topic at Westminster on Thursday and called on environment secretary George Eustice to "urgently find a solution for the industry".

Border Telegraph: John Lamont in the House of CommonsJohn Lamont in the House of Commons

After speaking in parliament, the member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk said: “The problems affecting the fishing industry need to be fixed immediately.

“These are very complex problems and the UK Government needs to produce a solution. Scottish seafood needs to be reaching the EU market.

“The Scottish Government also needs to give their support by ensuring there are enough inspectors to certify the seafood for export. The UK Government has offered to send additional support to Food Standards Scotland, and I hope this is accepted.

“These hold ups have been unavoidable for export companies and it is important they are compensated accordingly.”