Scottish operated fishing boat detained by France

A Scottish based fishing boat has been detained by French authorities as a row over fishing rights intensifies.

The scallop trawler which is operated by Macduff Shellfish in Aberdeenshire was working off the French coast.

The owner of the vessel has described it as their boat being used as a "pawn in an ongoing dispute" between the two countries.

French maritime minister Annick Girardin said it is "not war, it's a fight" amid a warning the country could ban allowing British fishing boats to disembark at French ports from next week if tensions are not resolved.

Clement Beaune, France's Europe minister, said on CNews TV: "So now, we need to speak the language of strength since that seems to be the only thing this British government understands."

Andrew Brown, director of Macduff Shellfish which owns the detained vessel, told Sky News the boat was being used as a "pawn in an ongoing dispute" between the two countries.

He said: "On 27 October, Macduff's scallop vessel Cornelis was boarded by the French authorities and ordered into the French port of Le Harve while legally fishing for scallop in French waters.

"Access to French waters for the UK scallop fleet is provided under Brexit Fisheries Agreement. Macduff's fishing activity is entirely legal.

"It appears our vessel is another pawn in the ongoing dispute between the UK and France on the implementation of the Brexit Fishing Agreement.

"We are looking to the UK government to defend the rights of the UK fishing fleet and ensure that the fishing rights provided under the Brexit Fishing agreement are fully respected by the EU.

"We will vigorously defend ourselves against any vexatious claims."

Home Secretary Priti Patel told Sky: "It is disappointing and we as a country have fulfilled all of our obligations under the TCA. But at the same time, across government discussions will continue - both at commission level but also with counterparts within the French administration."

The government has said since 31 December 1,673 EU vessels have been licensed for fishing - 98% of those who applied for access - of which 736 were French.

A European Commission spokesperson said they take note of the comments made by both countries.

They said: "Our Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the UK is clear: vessels who were fishing in these waters should be allowed to continue.

"All French vessels entitled to a licence should receive one. Fishing licence applications are a top priority and we are working hard to support this process. We will continue discussions with the UK and France in the coming days to resolve this issue as soon as possible."

The UK government said the French response could breach international law, calling the threats "disappointing and disproportionate".

In a tweet, the French Maritime Ministry said: "This Wednesday, two English ships were fined during classic checks off Le Havre.

"The first did not comply spontaneously: verbalization.

"The second did not have a licence to fish in our waters: diverted to the quay and handed over to the judicial authority."

A UK government spokesperson said it would be relaying its concerns to the EU Commission and French government.

It said: "France's threats are disappointing and disproportionate, and not what we would expect from a close ally and partner.

"The measures being threatened do not appear to be compatible with the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) and wider international law, and, if carried through, will be met with an appropriate and calibrated response."

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