Von der Leyen accuses Boris Johnson of breaching Brexit trade deal in Jersey fishing row


The European Commission said the new restrictions on trawlermen introduced by Jersey contravene the terms of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Under the post-Brexit rules, EU vessels are required to secure licences to operate in the waters off the coast of the Channel island. EU officials have thrown their weight behind France’s threat to plunge the isle into darkness by cutting its power supply.

A Commission spokeswoman said: “Any addition of new specific conditions to these fishing authorisations that limit EU fishing activities in UK waters must comply with the objectives and principles set out in the TCA, which are based on clear scientific rationale.

“Any such conditions must also be non-discriminatory between UK and EU vessels.”

She added: “The Commission has clearly indicated to the UK that the provisions of the EU-UK TCA have not been respected.

“Until the UK authorities provide further justifications on the new conditions, these new conditions should not apply. 

“The Commission remains in close contact with France and the UK on the matter.”



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