Britain Summons French Ambassador in Protest of Fishing Row
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The fisheries crisis escalated between France and Britain after the latter's exit from the European Union.
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France detained a British fishing vessel that had entered its waters.
The British government stated on Thursday that it would summon the French ambassador in London in protest of France's actions in a post-Brexit fisheries row.
British Foreign Secretary Lise Truss tweeted: "I have instructed Europe Minister Wendy Morton to summon the French Ambassador to the UK for talks tomorrow to explain the disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands."
I have instructed Europe Minister Wendy Morton to summon the French Ambassador to the UK for talks tomorrow to explain the disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands.
— Liz Truss (@trussliz) October 28, 2021
French Prime Minister Jean Castex said his country is ready to hold talks with Britain to resolve the dispute over fishing rights, as long as London fulfills its obligations under the post-Brexit agreements.
The French announced that if no agreement is reached with the United Kingdom over disputed regarding the fishing licenses, British fishing boats would be prevented from entering French ports by next week. In response to the announcement, Castex said his country is open to talks if Britain "honors its responsibilities."
Yesterday, France detained a British fishing vessel that entered its territorial waters without a license and issued a verbal warning to a second vessel.
Britain had said earlier that the punitive measures that France intends to impose will be met with appropriate measures of their kind.
France was angered by Britain's refusal to grant its fishermen the full number of licenses to fish in British waters, which France says is guaranteed under the Brexit agreement, and announced on Wednesday its intention to take retaliatory measures if there is no progress in talks in this regard.
