France has stopped two British fishing boats in the Channel, and has detained one in Le Havre. The English captain risks legal proceedings and his caught fish may be confiscated.
The English fishermen would not have French permits. In addition, France threatens more sanctions against Britain because it will not allow French fishermen - after Brexit - in British waters.
For example, France could introduce more border controls for British products transported to and from Britain via the Channel Tunnel. This could lead to enormous delays and supply problems. British fishing vessels could also be banned from French ports. France plans to release a full list of possible sanctions later this week.
The French are unhappy that the United Kingdom issues few permits that allow French fishermen to fish in British waters. The Brexit deal provides that European fishermen can fish in certain British waters, provided they can prove that they have been working there before.
However, the French and British argue about exactly how much and what evidence the fishermen have to present. On the island of Jersey, French fishermen and the local British government even broke out in May after the latter refused permits to dozens of French fishermen.
British Brexit minister David Frost called the French threats 'very disappointing'. A spokeswoman for the British government even called them illegal: 'The measures appear to be inconsistent with the trade agreement and international law. If they are implemented, we will respond appropriately.”