Row of fishing rights: disappointing French threats, says Frost

The UK said threats to block British boats from French ports in a fishing rights dispute constitute a violation of international law and trade agreements.

France has said that if there is no deal by November 2, it will also tighten controls on UK boats and trucks and could target Channel Island’s energy supplies.

Brexit Minister Lord Frost said the position was “disappointing”.

He said the UK was seeking “urgent clarification” on France’s plans.

France was angered by the UK and Jersey’s decision last month to deny fishing licenses to dozens of French boats and claimed to have violated the Brexit deal.

He issued his ultimatum on Wednesday night, saying he would start imposing “targeted measures” from Tuesday next week, including:

France said it is also preparing further sanctions, which could include cutting off electricity supplies to Jersey, as it had already threatened in May.

“The French state will continue to support its fishing industry,” the government said, adding that it expects responses from the UK “in the coming days”.

Brexit Minister Lord Frost said: “It is very disappointing that France has found it necessary to make threats tonight against the UK fishing industry and apparently traders more generally.

“As we have not received any formal communication from the French government on the matter, we will urgently seek clarification on their plans. We will assess what further action is needed in this light.”

Downing Street said the “disappointing and disproportionate” threat of sanctions “is not what we would expect from a close ally and partner.”

“The threatened measures do not appear to be compatible with the trade and cooperation agreement and broader international law and, if implemented, will receive an adequate and calibrated response,” a spokeswoman said.

He said the UK would raise concerns with both the EU and the French government, claiming it has granted 98% of license applications from European boats.

The UK claims that the rejected applications that sparked the dispute did not have enough evidence to prove they had a history of fishing in British or Jersey waters.