France and 10 other EU nations join forces against UK amid Brexit fishing feud

12 October 2021, 16:06

Eleven EU nations have joined forces against Boris Johnson's government amid the ongoing fishing row
Eleven EU nations have joined forces against Boris Johnson's government amid the ongoing fishing row. Picture: Alamy

By James Morris

Ten EU nations have joined France in accusing the UK of failing to stick to its Brexit agreement amid the ongoing fishing row.

The 10 nations – Germany, Belgium, Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden – co-signed the statement with France, which continues to feud with the UK over fishing permits.

However, The Times reported French officials had been briefing that most EU nations supported its cause – but were left humiliated after only 10 signed up.

The paper also reported the wording dropped another threat linked to energy supplies.

Caller wants loans for HGV driver courses

This comes after France, which exports 47% of the UK’s electricity, suggested last week it may cut these supplies.

Annick Girardin, France’s fishing minister, acknowledged the government is trying to pursue its case “more serenely”.

She tweeted last night: “The objective of the agreement: to guarantee the continuity of access for European ships in a fair framework. The United Kingdom has signed it, it must respect it.”

She added this afternoon: “Whether they like it or not, 11 member countries of the European Union joined forces yesterday to support French fishermen.

Read more: Job vacancies hit record high in UK amid Brexit and COVID staff shortages

“This is an important step which allows us to consider more serenely the continuation of the negotiations with the British.”

Girardin signed off her tweets with the hashtag “#IWantMyLicensesBack”.

Rows over the UK’s adherence to the Brexit deal have rumbled throughout the year.

The latest one has been sparked by the UK and Jersey, a British crown dependency, issuing reduced numbers of fishing licences to French boats.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Israel has launched the largest strikes on Gaza since the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, killing and injuring dozens while promising 'increasing military force'.

Israel launches 'extensive' deadly strikes on Gaza, which Hamas says indicate 'unilateral end to ceasefire'

Badenoch is expected to drop the party’s commitment to net zero, which the UK is legally required to reach by 2050, in a speech on Tuesday.

UK net zero target by 2050 is ‘impossible’ without bankrupting Britain, says Kemi Badenoch

John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, the last surviving pilot that served in the Battle of Britain, has passed away at the age of 105.

Last surviving Battle of Britain pilot John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway dies aged 105

A selection of credit cards in a fan.

Almost 20,000 Civil Service credit cards to be frozen in government plans to halve number of cards and cut spending

MPs have been urged to support moves to ban smacking and other forms of physical punishment against children in England.

Ministers urged to back law change which will see smacking children to punish them banned

Polling station at Deptford Park School.

Russian networks tried to disrupt UK election but did not cause ‘notable’ impact, security minister says

IKEA store in Vilnius, Lithuania

Russian spies accused of firebombing Ikea store ‘because colours are the same as the Ukraine flag’

Facial recognition will be used to help passengers skip passport queues at ports.

British travellers arriving back in UK could 'avoid passport queues' with new facial recognition technology

The White House said Trump is ‘determined’ to get a peace deal in Ukraine over the line, as the US president gears up for talks for Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

‘We’ve never been closer to a peace deal’ in Ukraine, says White House ahead of Trump-Putin talks

A prison officer walks down the C wing at Wandsworth prison.

Number of prisoners reaches six-month high, despite thousands being released early to ease overcrowding

Richard Burrows, 80, was found guilty of 54 offences at Chester Crown Court on Monday, including indecent assault of boys, buggery, attempted buggery and indecency with a child.

Paedophile scout leader who spent 27 years on the run found guilty of dozens child sex abuse crimes

‘Iran will suffer the consequences’ - Trump raises prospect of war with Iran as Us attacks on Houthis continue

‘Iran will suffer the consequences’ - Trump raises prospect of war with Iran as US attacks on Houthis continue

Owen Cooper (l) and Stephen Graham (r) star in Adolescence

Revealed: Secret behind incredible camera shot in Netflix's new 'masterpiece' Adolescence

Drag star The Vivienne died after taking ketamine, their family said today

Drag star The Vivienne died from cardiac arrest caused by taking ketamine, family say

Irish professional mixed martial artist and businessman Conor McGregor visited the White House on Monday.

‘He doesn’t reflect the spirit of St Patrick’s Day’: Row erupts after Conor McGregor appears in The White House

`

Man who shouted 'Die, die, die' while stabbing man in quiet street in broad daylight sentenced to life