Downing Street threatens to retaliate

The UK said Thursday that a threat by France to block British boats from its ports appeared to breach international law, and the government vowed to retaliate if Paris goes ahead with the move.

“France’s threats are disappointing and disproportionate, and not what we would expect from a close ally and partner,” a Government spokesman said

They added that the measures “do not appear to be compatible” with the UK-EU Brexit withdrawal agreement “and wider international law, and, if carried through, will be met with an appropriate and calibrated response.”

A spokesman for Emmanuel Macron, the French President, said the country will “not let Britain wipe its feet on the Brexit deal” and said sanctions could be announced on Thursday.

Fishing row has been ‘politicised’ 

Descending into a “tit for tat” relationship between the nations is “unhelpful”, Barrie Deas, from the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, the body representing fishermen in England said.