Britain’s fish fight with France risks triggering a new low in EU relations

Another day, another troubling development in UK/ EU relations. Earlier this week, a British trawler was seized by France and another fined. Now, France’s prime minister has written to the EU asking for its backing for further measures against the UK because of the refusal of various fishing licenses. The letter asks for support because, Jean Castex says, it must be demonstrated that ‘leaving the Union is more damaging than remaining in it.’ 

The UK, for its part, has summoned the French ambassador over the issue. Britain has made it clear it will carry out ‘rigorous enforcement processes’ on EU vessels fishing in UK waters if the French carry through on their threats. It has also suggested it could trigger dispute resolution proceedings under the UK/EU free trade deal.

But it isn’t only fishing which is causing tensions. On the Northern Ireland protocol, the Commission has made it clear to member states that the role of the European Court of Justice is not up for discussion in these talks.