UK-France relations worsen over ‘Brexit Deal’ fishing row

London/Paris: – Even though the United Kingdom has exited European Union for several months, the controversy over Brexit is not over. Following the dispute over Ireland and the Sausages, tensions reign between the United Kingdom and France over fishing rights. France has held a British ship at its port and indicated to cut off power to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom also has summoned the French ambassador and warned him that a legal complaint would be filed.

The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union at the end of last year. But even after that, new disputes have arisen over the implementation of the agreement reached between the United Kingdom and the Union. According to the Brexit deal, fishing vessels from the European countries entering British waters will be issued licenses by the British authorities. There are certain conditions attached to these licenses. French ships that do not meet these conditions have been denied licenses. This has sparked outrage in France, with the French leadership claiming that the issue is about European prestige.

The French government has warned that products entering the UK from Europe via English Channel will be blocked. Moreover, electricity supplied to the United Kingdom will be cut off. The French government has written a letter to the European Union, urging that it needs to show those who leave the Union how they will be at a loss. France has also demanded that the Union should express firm resolve to make the United Kingdom abide by the terms of the Brexit agreement.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the international reputation of the United Kingdom is at stake in this fishing issue. Hence, French authorities have seized a fishing vessel from the United Kingdom sailing inside the French border. French authorities claimed that the ship did not have a license and intercepted the British ship, Le Havre. Meanwhile, a fishermen’s association in France has expressed concern that the dispute between the two countries could deliver a major blow to the economy.

There has also been a strong reaction from the United Kingdom against the aggressive moves launched by France. The United Kingdom has summoned the French ambassador and sought clarification regarding the French government’s warnings. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has accused France of violating the agreement. At the same time, Johnson warned that the United Kingdom would file a legal complaint if France continued its provocative actions. Earlier, it was also revealed that the United Kingdom had deployed four warships to intercept ships of France and other European countries.