We Are England When The Boats Come In: What Happened Next ( Monday 16 January 2023)

Today Monday 16 January 2023, there is a new episode of We Are England.

When The Boats Come In: What Happened Next Since the beginning of recorded history, oystermen have used sailing vessels for dredging in the estuary of the River Fal. Unfortunately, Brexit has thrown a spanner into their conventional way of life. New regulations have had a significant impact on exports to France, which is a popular market for native oysters and queen scallops.

Falmouth father-and-son duo Les and Dan Angell dredge the Carrick Roads channel six days a week by sailing up and down the channel while hauling tiny dredges. Already facing hardship, in January 2021, they were ordered to halt fishing and beach their boat for the rest of the season, therefore ending their ability to earn more than £300 per day.

Martin Laity, a local shellfish trader, has purchased their produce for years and continues to sell it to the same French clientele that his family has served since the early twentieth century. In January of 2021, everything shifted. His company collapsed as shellfish exports came to a standstill.

The documentary “Martin and Tom: Riding the Waves of Brexit Britain” follows Martin and his business partner Tom as they search for new revenue streams and do everything they can to ensure the survival of the fishing community, which includes people like Les and Dan.

Almost a year after the original episode of We Are England aired on BBC1, the show is back to check in on Martin and his shellfish business in light of the ongoing effects of Brexit.

Airdate: Monday 16 January 2023 at 20:30 on

Season 2023 Episode 10

Exploring the issues people care about, as told by them – from across England. It’s a reflection of the opinions and changing face of the nation.

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