On Tuesday, French Prime Minister (PM) Jean Castex demanded more decisive action from the European Union (EU) against the United Kingdom (UK) over its refusal to grant fishing licenses to French vessels.
The PM said the bilateral cooperation between both nations could be at risk if the UK didn’t respect its commitment to the post-Brexit deal signed with the EU. “Britain does not respect its signature. Month after month, the UK presents new conditions and delays giving definitive licences [...] This cannot be tolerated,” Castex said. He also threatened to go to the Brexit deal arbitration panel to get Britain to stick to its commitment and review the conditions of implementing accords with the EU.
Furthermore, amid escalating tensions, France said it would cut power supply to British crown dependencies of the Channel Islands. France supplies electricity to Channel Islands Jersey and Guernsey, as they are closer to France than the UK.
Moreover, France disapproved of Britain’s unwillingness to comply with agreed terms and other unresolved bilateral issues. European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune said France would not stand by such behaviour. “Our patience has clear limits. We’ve negotiated calmly and nicely for nine months now; that’s enough,” he declared.
Last week, the UK refused to grant fishing licenses to French vessels in its territorial waters and demanded proof of fishing activity in the region to be eligible for permits. The decision infuriated France, which called it a violation of the post-Brexit access deal and expressed concern over the livelihoods of fishermen.
The post-Brexit agreement allows European fishermen to fish in certain British waters on conditions that they obtain a license, which requires evidence that they fished in these waters before Brexit.
Fishing rights for European boats in the UK’s territorial waters was a point of contention during the negotiations regarding Britain’s exit from the bloc on January 1. The dispute flared up in May when a group of French vessels protested in front of the Saint Helier harbour in Jersey over fishing rights in the region. Consequently, Britain deployed military ships to the area for a few hours to disperse the protest, further aggravating tensions.
French and the EU lawmakers are scheduled to meet on Wednesday with the regional councils of Brittany, Hauts-de-France, and Normandy, along with concerned departmental councils and mayors, to discuss the ongoing fishing dispute and retaliatory measures. Additionally, ministers for European fisheries will meet next week.
France Demands Tougher Action Against UK Over Fishing Rights
French Prime Minister Jean Castex demanded stricter action against the United Kingdom over its refusal to grant fishing licenses to French boats in its territorial waters.
October 6, 2021
SOURCE: FRANCE 24