French authorities have impounded a UK fishing boat in the English Channel, accusing it of illegal activity. This recent incident of a UK fishing vessel impounded by France has caused tensions. The vessel, now held in Boulogne, was allegedly operating in French waters without a valid licence.
French Navy patrol ship Pluvier intercepted the UK fishing vessel late Thursday night during a routine inspection. The French Coastguard reported that the vessel was immediately diverted to Boulogne to begin possible prosecution.
This diplomatic flashpoint comes just days after Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced criticism from British fishermen following the incident. Specifically, the UK fishing vessel impounded by French authorities has fueled discontent, as his recent EU deal extends access to UK waters for European fishing vessels for another 12 years.
The Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting a British national in France. However, officials declined to comment further while the French investigation into the UK fishing vessel continues.
A government spokesperson said the vessel is part of an active fisheries case, particularly concerning the impounded UK fishing vessel, and the British crew remains in France while local legal proceedings are assessed.
Critics have quickly seized on the incident. Chris Philp, a Conservative MP, condemned what he called “shameful double standards” by the French authorities. He accused them of inaction over migrant crossings but sudden force when it involves a British fishing boat.
Philp argued that if French patrols can stop fishing vessels, they should also stop migrant boats. He claimed international law requires France to intervene before small boats enter UK waters.
This incident adds pressure to an already sensitive part of the UK-EU reset deal. The agreement covers trade, defense, energy, and fishing. In return for extended EU fishing rights, Britain is expected to see reduced border friction in trade.
Opponents, including Reform UK and some Conservatives, criticized the deal. They described it as a “surrender” of British control to Brussels. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats defended it as a necessary step toward rebuilding trust with Europe.
The fishing dispute has once again placed post-Brexit maritime sovereignty at the center of UK politics, especially with a UK fishing vessel being impounded by the French authorities. It remains to be seen whether legal action will be pursued against the impounded British crew.
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