A Dorset MP says he has the Prime Minister’s assurance that the UK will take control of its fishing waters after Brexit.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax questioned Prime Minister Theresa May on the matter at a special meeting with Tory MPs from coastal constituencies.

He said the Prime Minister gave MPs her assurance that the UK will take control of its fishing waters by January 2021.

It comes after the MP questioned the Prime Minister on the issue at the House of Commons following concerns raised by south Dorset fishermen.

Mr Drax says fishermen feel 'betrayed' by the current quota arrangements with the EU and that many family businesses have ‘gone to the wall’ while precious natural resources have been ‘handed away to EU fishermen.

Speaking after his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Drax said: “I have just been to see the Prime Minister and asked her whether she can give me her word that after January 2021 it will be our sovereign Government in control of our fishing waters.

“She has given me her assurance that we will once again be in control of our waters.”

He explained that there will likely be a deal with EU countries on how far they can fish, but the point is 'we will be in control of negotiations.'

He said: “Right now, we don’t have any control.”

He added: “I am very supportive of our fishermen in south Dorset - the future of fishing when we regain control of our waters is very promising.

“I am doing all I can on their behalf.”

It was hoped that the UK would gain control of its fishing waters on Brexit Day - March 29 next year.

However, it will be subject to EU rules for 21 months until December 2020.

This has caused a backlash with many fishermen protesting the issue.

Last week, protesters were joined by Brexiteer Nigel Farage on a fishing trawler on the River Thames. They chucked dead fish into the river to demonstrate their unease towards the plans.

Andy Alcock, secretary of the Weymouth and Portland Licensed Fishermen’s and Boatmen’s Association claims that the EU has made things difficult for British fishermen, and he felt they were put at a disadvantage to continental fishermen.

He suggested that 80 per cent of fish that EU vessels currently catch comes from British waters.

Mr Alcock said he is keen to see the distance that foreign vessels can fish near the UK coastline limited to 25 nautical miles as opposed to six nautical miles.

West Bay fisherman David Sales, is apprehensive about a new fishing deal being sought.

He said: “We are going to have to work with continental fishermen- it is all very well having control of our waters and having more fish but it’s pointless if you can’t sell it."

Mr Sales added: “I think when we come out of the EU, fishing will have to be as regulated, it certainly can’t be a free for all. We have to look at the future and make sure there is fish for generations to come.

“We need to make sure there is a fair deal for everyone. We all fish the same continental shelf, it is important we fish it sustainably and to do that requires co-operation."