France to step up customs checks if UK withholds fishing licences in post-Brexit row

France to step up customs checks if UK withholds fishing licences in post-Brexit row

/ Europe

















Issued on: 27/10/2021 - 16:39





















A fishing boat navigates through the harbour of Le Guilvinec, western France, on October 6, 2021. © Fred Tanneau, AFP











France said Wednesday that it would step up customs checks and disrupt trade with Britain from November 2 unless London agreed to grant more licences to French fishermen to operate in UK waters.











The measures would include "systematic customs and sanitary checks on products brought to France and a ban on landing seafood," government spokesman Gabriel Attal told reporters.

The latest spat between the neighbours was sparked by licensing procedures for EU fishing boats wanting to operate in waters around Britain and the Channel Islands after Brexit.

France has been incensed by the rejection of dozens of French boats by Britain, as well as by the self-governing Channels islands of Jersey and Guernsey, which depend on London for defence and foreign affairs. 

French customs checks have the potential to seriously slow down trade to and from the UK.

British fishermen are also highly