France’s National Maritime Fisheries Committee (NMFC) has said it plans to block the Channel Tunnel and the port of Calais tomorrow in protest over a lack of fishing licences issued since Brexit. Members of the group told an online conference that a large number of vehicles would be used to blockade the Channel Tunnel.
Gerard Romiti, President of the NMFC said: “This is our demonstration of the quality and ability of professional fishermen to mobilise in response to the UK’s provocative, contemptuous and humiliating attitude towards them.”
French fishermen have complained that the UK has not issued enough licences for its vessels to fish in the 6-12 mile zone off the British coast.
The UK has said it has approved 1,700 applications from EU vessels since the start of the year.
Downing Street has since issued a furious response, a Number 10 spokesman said: “We are disappointed by threats of protest activity.
“It will be a matter for the French to ensure that there are no illegal actions and that trade is not affected. We continue to monitor the situation closely.”
The UK Government has constantly said it would consider further licence applications where fishermen have provided historical evidence of landing in British waters.
Earlier this week, French European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune said discussions were ongoing but reiterated “all options” remained on the table.
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