London Gives Green Light to French Fishing Boats, Avoids EU Legal Showdown
Deadline Drama Ends with Licence Deal
The EU set London a hard deadline of December 10 to grant licences to dozens of French fishing boats under last year’s Brexit deal. Paris warned it would launch legal action in Brussels if no breakthrough came. But last night, after intense talks between UK and EU officials, licences were finally handed out.
Evidence-Based Approach Secures Fisheries
A UK government spokesperson said the decision was based on “solid evidence” to ensure only qualified vessels could fish in UK waters. The move “provides stability and ensures the sustainability of our fisheries,” they added.
- UK granted 18 licences
- Channel Island of Jersey approved 5 licences
- EU aims to license 7 more vessels by Monday
France’s 104 Boats Still Waiting
France had claimed 104 of its vessels were still blocked from fishing in British and Channel Island waters, despite the Brexit agreement. Under the deal, EU fishermen can operate in UK waters if they prove historical use. The French had threatened to file a complaint with the European Commission, risking financial penalties or tariffs on UK goods.
Fishermen Fuel Fury with Cross-Channel Chaos
Since late November, 83 vessels have received licences amidst ramped-up negotiations. But tensions soared last month when French fishermen disrupted ferry and freight traffic across the Channel in protest over post-Brexit fishing rules.
