France fishing row: Expert calls on EU to 'sort' issue

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The Cornelis Gert Jan was accused of fishing in French waters without correct documents and was detained amid the row over post-Brexit fishing licences. The state had requested the detention of the trawler pending the payment of a €150,000 bond.

However, the vessel, a Scottish-registered scallop dredger called Cornelis Gert Jan, was released from Le Havre on Wednesday.

The news was reported by Andrew Brown, the public affairs director of the vessel’s owner Macduff Shellfish.

“The court (of appeal) determined that no bond was required for the release of the vessel,” he stated.

“We are pleased to have this matter resolved and delighted that our crew and vessel are now able to return home.

READ MORE: Lord Frost to demand Emmanuel Macron drops threats ‘once and for all’

“The crew have acted with calmness and professionalism throughout the entire incident.

“They are in good spirits, looking forward to return to their loved ones and are grateful for all the messages of support received from the British public.”

Jondy Ward, Cornelis Gert Jan’s captain, appeared at the Court of Appeal in Rouen on Wednesday.

After the hearing, he said: “If it goes right, we’ll get out of here today.”

DON’T MISS
Claim triggering Article 16 ‘strategic blunder’ shot down [INSIGHT]
Desperate EU Commission plead with UK not to trigger Article 16 [REVEAL]
Reform UK leader exposes Conservative concerns ahead of by-election [UPDATE]

Menna Rawlings, the British Ambassador to France, applauded the release of the British vessel.

“Glad to hear the #Cornelis is free to leave Le Havre and that the Brits on board are on their way home tonight,” she announced on Twitter.

“A huge thank you to our @UKinFrance team for their excellent consular support.”

As the dispute over fishing rights with Britain grows increasingly hostile, French authorities have increased controls.

The French government says around half of the fishing licences requested by French fishermen have not been approved by the UK and accuses Britain of not respecting the deal struck before leaving the EU.

However, Britain has since published data showing 98 percent of the 1,831 fishing licence applications have been granted by the UK Government.

Britain’s Brexit Minister Lord Frost will meet with France’s Europe Minister Clement Beaune to discuss further details of the French fishing dispute later today.

Source: Read Full Article