Post-Brexit fishing: Britain's position has not changed, says Johnson

Europe 1 with AFP 19:22, November 02, 2021

Britain's position in the dispute with France over access to fishing grounds after Brexit has not changed, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday, as talks continue to settle the dispute.

Always the same position

"You ask if the UK has changed its position on the fisheries issue. The answer is no," said the Tory leader, when asked by a reporter at a press conference at COP 26 in Glasgow, in Scotland. "We are working very, very closely with our French friends and partners on the things that matter," said Boris Johnson. Referring to the fight against climate change and the reduction of C02 emissions, he said that "in relation to this extremely important problem, the ones you mentioned are really unimportant".

Under the Brexit deal, European fishermen can continue to work in certain UK waters provided they can prove that they previously fished there.

But the French and the British argue over the nature and extent of the supporting documents to be provided.

The French have threatened to ban British fishing vessels from landing their cargo in French ports and to tighten controls on boats and trucks if London does not grant more licenses to French fishermen.

Sanctions postponed

France, however, postponed the entry into force of retaliatory measures decided against the United Kingdom, initially planned for Tuesday, to continue discussions and try to find a solution.

A meeting is scheduled for Thursday in Paris between the British Secretary of State for Brexit David Frost and the French Secretary of State for European Affairs Clément Beaune.