The SNP's Westminster leader has begun a bid to bring Britain out of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy.

Alex Salmond published a private members bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday which, if successful, would remove the UK from international fishing treaties.

Salmond is concerned that Brussels-imposed quotas are strangling the Scottish fishing industry.

His Fisheries Jurisdiction Bill outlines steps to take Britain out of the agreement which limits the number of North Sea fish which can be caught.

But the bill stands almost no chance of becoming law and environmental campaigners will dismiss the move as a stunt.

The Scottish fisheries industry has been in decline for several years and the latest EU fisheries council decision to limit cod hauls has prompted fears of further damage.

Salmond's bill would re-assert national control over Scottish, English, Welsh and Northern Irish waters.

He was joined by fellow MPs from the Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrat parties in supporting the initiative.

The government is committed to reform of the CFP and providing help to local economies dependent on the fisheries industry.