THERE will be no let up in the fight for France’s fishermen, the country’s Europe Minister has said, following a virtual meeting with two senior Jersey politicians.
Clément Beaune made the comments on Twitter after speaking to Chief Minister John Le Fondré and External Relations Minister Ian Gorst about the fishing licence situation.
The meeting took place a few days after Mr Beaune revealed during a television interview that he would be approaching EU authorities to discuss launching legal action and initiating a formal dispute against British authorities.
Although Jersey has issued 130 permanent licences, the French minister is urging the Island to issue more. He has warned that, subject to approval from EU courts, France could implement sanctions such as denying Jersey and the UK access to its markets.
Both he and his colleague, Minister of the Sea Annick Girardin, previously claimed they could reduce electricity to the Island supplied through undersea cables from France or implement trade tariffs on it. Jersey’s government subsequently warned that, if this happened, France would be acting unilaterally, against the post-Brexit Trade and Co-operation Agreement, as well as long-standing EU protocols.
In a tweet, Mr Beaune said: ‘[There will be] no break to defend our fishermen – discussion this evening with the authorities of #Jersey on our licences.’
Following the meeting, which was also attended by UK DEFRA Minister Victoria Prentis, Senator Le Fondré said in a statement: ‘The External Relations Minister and I remain committed to open dialogue and were pleased to meet with our French and UK counterparts earlier today.
‘We wish to preserve our positive relationship with France and continue to build upon our historic connections moving forward. This can only be achieved by remaining open with each other on all issues of common interest.’
Senator Ian Gorst said: ‘It is important for us to continue to work closely and constructively with all relevant TCA parties, throughout what has been a technical and challenging period. This was a cordial discussion and we will continue to honour the terms of the TCA as we move into the New Year.’
