Britain sent Royal Navy gunboats to the area last night and this morning in response to threats from French fishermen threatening to blockade access to St Helier Port. As many as 100 French boats gathered off the island’s capital in protest at post-Brexit fishing rules which require a licence to catch within Jersey’s 12 mile zone.
Mr Johnson “reiterated his unequivocal support” to the Channel Island in a phone call to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Minister of External Affairs this morning.
Discussing how Britain would respond to the unfolding situation, the Prime Minister vowed the Royal Navy ships would remain in Jersey as a precaution for as long as necessary.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to the Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator John Le Fondré, the Deputy Chief Minister, Lyndon Farnham and the Minister of External Affairs, Ian Gorst this morning.
“The Chief Minister updated the Prime Minister on the latest developments with French fishing vessels around Jersey’s coast.
“The Prime Minister reiterated his unequivocal support for Jersey and confirmed that the two Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessels would remain in place to monitor the situation as a precautionary measure.
“They agreed to stay in touch as the situation develops.”
More to follow…
