Britain sends in navy ships over fears of French blockade in post-Brexit fishing dispute
- PM Boris Johnson says move is a precaution and calls for de-escalation as tensions mount in row over Channel Islands access for French boats
- France had earlier threatened to cut off electricity to the area after Britain imposed new licence rules
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday sent two Navy patrol vessels to Jersey over concerns that French fishermen could blockade its main port in an escalating post-Brexit row.
France warned Tuesday it was weighing its response after Britain imposed rules governing access for French fishing boats near the Channel Islands, and said it could involve the electricity supply via underwater cables.
French fishermen also plan to converge on the island’s main port St Helier on Thursday, although authorities have said they do not intend to block access.
But Johnson announced that he was sending two vessels, HMS Severn and HMS Tamar, “as a precautionary measure”, adding that a blockade “would be completely unjustified”.
British MP Tobias Ellwood accused France of “shameful behaviour”, saying “it would be wise to dispatch” a Royal Navy vessel.