A Kent MP will lead the calls in parliament today to end the restrictive EU fishing quotas squeezing on the county's industry.

Damian Collins, the MP for Folkestone and Hythe, is presenting the debate in parliament immediately after the Budget is delivered.

Mr Collins says it is a landmark alternative to a fishing ban that could protect the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Proposals are afoot for fishing permits for Hythe Bay rather than a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), which would stop fishing along 10 miles of coastline at Hythe Bay and cost local jobs.

The government decided last year to keep Hythe Bay out of the latest round of allocations but that doesn’t lift the possibility of it being placed for the next phase in 2016/17.

It is hoped a permits system would lift that threat.

Mr Collins will kick off the debate in the House of Commons to fisheries minister George Eustice to argue for extra quotas for the inshore fishing fleet.

He said: "This could be a landmark new scheme for the country, showing conservation of stocks can best be managed by working with the local fishing industry.

"It is nonsensical that banning throwing back live fish after they have been caught should apply to small fishing operations such as Folkestone Trawlers, as these quotas on stocks caught were intended to regulate huge commercial fishing boats.

"I will be advocating this strongly on behalf of local fishermen again during the debate."

Terry Noakes, secretary of Folkestone Fishermen’s Association, said: “We came up with the scheme and it shows we are conservation-minded.

“This is a better to have this scheme rather than shut the whole area to fisherman. It would kill our industry.”

Watch the debate live by clicking here.