The British government condemned France’s measure in an initial statement.
(Photo: Reuters)
Paris France arrested a British cutter on Thursday in the dispute over fishing rights after Brexit. A second boat was cautioned because it was sailing in French waters without a license. “It’s not a war, but it’s a fight,” said French Minister for Fisheries Annick Girardin RTL radio.
In an initial response, the British government stated that France’s behavior was disappointing and disproportionate. “This is not what we would expect from a close ally and partner,” said the government in London in a statement.
On Wednesday, the government in Paris announced retaliation for the fact that French fishermen had not received the guaranteed licenses to fish in British waters. From November 2nd, France also wants to introduce special controls on British goods, which would worsen the economic situation in the UK.
The government of President Emmanuel Macron is also considering further measures and is not ruling out a review of electricity exports to the UK. France’s European Minister Clement Beaune said that apparently the language of harshness was the only thing the British understood.
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The UK has promised to issue licenses to EU fishermen operating in UK waters prior to Brexit on January 31, 2020. The negotiations between the EU Commission and the government in London on the specific structure of the fishery are to be continued this week.
The fisheries were the most sensitive issue in the exit negotiations, alongside the status of Northern Ireland. The status of the British province is also still controversial.
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