After announcing retaliatory measures against the United Kingdom and the fining of two British vessels, France and the United Kingdom tried on Thursday 28 October to calm the situation in the conflict between them over fishing licences in British waters.
UK Environment Secretary George Eustice called for “calm”, saying his government’s door “was always open”. The French Prime Minister, Jean Castex, said he was “open to discussions”, provided that London “respects its commitments” (see EUROPE 12821/10).
The tone quickly escalated after France announced that the first retaliatory measures would come into force on 2 November if French fishermen do not obtain more licences to fish in British waters by then.
London called the measures “disproportionate” and promised an “appropriate and calibrated” response.
London only understands “the language of force”, French Secretary of State for European Affairs Clément Beaune said on Thursday morning.
In the areas still in dispute, London and Jersey have granted just over 210 definitive licences, but Paris is still claiming 200 more.
Mr Eustice reaffirmed on Thursday that 98% of the European licences applied for in the UK had been granted, a claim disputed by Annick Girardin, the French Minister for the Sea: “The Europeans applied for 2,127 licences, the British gave 1,913 licences, that’s 90%. And all of those who don’t have a licence are French, apart from one or two Belgians”.
British fishing vessels risk being banned from landing their cargo in French ports, and customs checks on lorries will be stepped up.
The strengthening of controls on British vessels seems to have already begun with the French authorities fining two UK fishing vessels. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)