During an inspection of fishing vessels off the coast of France for fishing without a license, the French authorities detained one British trawler, and the second was fined, according to Reuters. French authorities have also said they will close nearly all of their ports to British fishing vessels. These events have become a new exacerbation of the conflict between France and Great Britain, which has lasted since spring, which arose after the changes in fishing agreements (the agreements were changed due to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU).
French Minister for European Affairs Clement Bon said that inspections of vessels fishing off the coast of France began on Wednesday. Two British vessels “did not comply with the rules” requiring a fishing license. One of the trawlers was not included in the EU-approved list of British vessels allowed to fish off the coast of France. After being detained, the trawler was sent to the port of Le Havre for further investigation. The second British vessel was simply fined for not immediately allowing the French authorities to board for inspection.
Now, Mr. Bon emphasized, “with rare exceptions, all French ports will be inaccessible to British ships.” “There will be no patience, no condescension,” the minister said, adding that, apparently, they will have to “speak the language of force, since this is the only thing that the British government understands.”
British authorities have launched an investigation into the detention of the vessel. According to Environment Minister George Eustis, the trawler “was originally on the list of licensed vessels, but then it turned out that it was not on the list.” And this moment the ministry intends to “investigate promptly.” The British authorities called France’s actions “disproportionate, which you would not expect from a close ally and partner.”
Read more about the conflict over fish in the publication of Kommersant “France threatens Jersey with the end of the world.”
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