France-UK Tensions Soar Over Fishing Spat

By Al Mayadeen Net
Source: Agencies
1 Nov 2021 10:58

Tensions have been simmering between the two nations for a while, with all attempts to mend the crisis.

No measures had been agreed on following the meeting between the two leaders (Reuters)

The repercussions of Brexit are seemingly neverending, with each day revealing a new facet of the aftermath.

This time, a fishing dispute that emerged on Sunday between France and the UK is taking center stage.

France has threatened to ban all British fishing boats from its ports starting Tuesday, the deadline for issuing more permits for French boats to operate in UK waters, in addition to increasing checks on UK exports.

On the other hand, de-escalation and dismissal of the possible aforementioned measures have been promised by Paris on the condition that the UK grants more permits to French boats to operate in British waters.

Macron VS Johnson

French President Emmanuel Macron and British PM Boris Johnson have met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in an attempt to ease the tensions and work towards a rapid "de-escalation" of the situation that may further evolve into a trade war if things remain unchanged.

A French presidency source revealed to AFP that the two governments are attempting to "bridge gaps" in the upcoming days, assuring that it was "perfectly possible" to reach a mutually satisfying deal.

The UK government stated that "it was up to France" to withdraw its threats, while Macron said the ball "was in Britain's court".

No measures had been agreed on following the meeting between the two leaders.

The Elysée has previously called on the UK to "respect the rules of the game" in accordance with the Brexit deal it signed.

The fishing row

The Brexit trade deal stipulates that EU fishing boats may still fish in British waters if they obtain a license, on the condition that they prove they were previously fishing in said area.

Small French boats have found this hard to prove given their lack of appropriate technology, thus failing to secure licenses from UK authorities.

France has repeatedly stressed that British authorities are well aware of these boats having operated in the UK waters before, accusing London of acting in bad faith.

Furthermore, according to France's Europe Minister Clément Beaune, more than 40% of French requests are pending or have been refused, noting that: "For the EU as a whole, around 90% of the expected licenses have been granted, but all the missing ones are French."