The United Kingdom and France have just two days to resolve a deepening dispute over fishing rights, with Paris set to impose port restrictions and border checks from Tuesday unless more licences for small boats are granted. French officials have warned they will bar UK fishing vessels from some ports and tighten customs checks on lorries entering France with British goods.
Brexit minister Lord Frost accused France of a 'pattern' of behaviour against Britain, noting previous threats to restrict energy supplies to the UK and Jersey. In an escalation, Lord Frost warned that the entire European Union would be in breach of the post-Brexit trade deal if France follows through on its threats. He stated the UK is 'actively considering' triggering dispute settlement proceedings under Article 738 of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson raised his concerns directly with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G20 summit in Rome, describing French threats as 'completely unjustified' and incompatible with international law. A letter from French Prime Minister Jean Castex to von der Leyen, suggesting the UK should be shown that leaving the EU causes more damage, has sparked fury in London.
The row escalated after French authorities detained a Scottish-registered scallop dredger, the Cornelis Gert Jan, accusing it of fishing without a licence. Its captain, an Irish national, faces a court hearing in August 2022. Environmental experts, including Lord Stern, have urged both leaders to set aside their differences to avoid jeopardising the COP26 climate conference.
