Deals ‘at risk’ over fishing row with UK

PARIS: France is ready to review bilateral cooperation with Britain if London continues to ignore the agreement reached over fishing rights in its postBrexit trading relationship with the European Union, the French prime minister said this week.

Paris is infuriated by London’s refusal to grant what it considers the full number of licences due to French fishing boats to operate in Britain’s territorial waters, and is threatening retaliatory measures.

“Britain does not respect its own signature,” Prime Minister Jean Castex told parliament on Tuesday. “Month after month, the UK presents new conditions and delays giving permanent licences ... This cannot be tolerated.”

Mr Castex said France was going to bring the matter before a council of British and European representatives that oversees the implementation of the Brexit trade agreement and, if there is still no progress, would seek international arbitration.

He warned that France could also review bilateral agreements across a range of affairs.

France’s maritime minister Annick Girardin has said French fishermen should not be taken hostage by the British for political ends.