France has detained two British fishing boats in the English Channel and has impounded one in Le Havre. The English captain faces possible legal proceedings and his caught fish may be confiscated.
The English fishermen allegedly have no French permits. Furthermore, France is threatening more sanctions against Great Britain because it does not allow French fishermen into British waters after Brexit.
For example, France could introduce more border checks for British products transported through the Channel Tunnel to and from Great Britain. This could lead to huge delays and supply problems. British fishing vessels could also be barred from French ports. Later this week, France intends to present a complete list of possible punitive measures.
The French are unhappy that the United Kingdom grants few permits for French fishermen to fish in British waters. The Brexit agreement states that European fishermen can fish in certain British waters, provided they can prove they were already working there before.
However, the French and British are disputing the quantity and type of evidence fishermen must present. On the island of Jersey, this even led to a direct confrontation in May between French fishermen and the local British authorities after the latter refused permits to dozens of French fishermen.
British Brexit minister David Frost called the French threats "very disappointing." A spokesperson for the British government even called them unlawful: "The measures do not seem to comply with the trade agreement and international law. If implemented, we will respond appropriately."