Truculent Macron f lounders in f ish war

EVER since we left the European Union, this nation has sought to build an amicable, fair and mutually beneficial relationship with our continental neighbours.

Disappointingly, our desire for cordial post-Brexit relations has not always been reciprocated.

One country in particular is behaving as if we have somehow become the enemy.

Instead of acting like a friend next door, France – quelle surprise – is doing its damnedest to punish us for leaving.

In every way, president Emmanuel Macron has tried to make life as difficult as humanly possible. Nowhere more than over fishing rights.

Incensed that a handful of French trawlermen have been refused access to our territorial waters, he has thrown an epic tantrum.

Consequently, a Scottish scallop boat, operating legally off Le Havre, has been seized on spurious charges.

With antagonistic disproportion, France is now threatening to escalate retaliatory measures.

UK boats could be blocked from landing catches in their ports and pettifogging checks may be instigated on cross-Channel trucks to maximise disruption. Most inflammatory, there is a threat to cut off electricity to Jersey this winter – potentially affecting schools and hospitals.

The response of Macron’s belligerent lieutenants is certainly a declaration of hostile intent.

So Boris Johnson was correct to tear a strip off the French ambassador over the regrettably confrontational language.

Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a series of politically motivated salvoes fired at us. Trashing the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab, then stealing five million doses from us. Clamouring for a vaccine blockade.

Insisting on an over-strict interpretation of the Northern Ireland Protocol, despite the dangers to peace.

And of course, raging over our Aukus submarines deal with genuinely trusted allies the US and Australia.

This is not the conduct of a mature democracy. More like a rogue state.