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The Prime Minister and the French President spoke ahead of the G7 summit in Cornwall taking place this weekend. International cooperation to tackle coronavirus, climate change, and increasing access to education around the world were discussed on the call.
But the fallout from Brexit took centre stage in talks, with the two leaders locking horns on frictions over fishing and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
France has accused the UK of failing to honour its commitments under the Brexit trade deal to give access to its waters to French fishermen.
Britain has rejected the criticisms and said it has provided fishing licences to all those who submitted the necessary paperwork.
The fallout led to extraordinary scenes in Jersey last month when the Royal Navy had to be deployed after French fishermen threatened to block access to the channel island’s main port.
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A French minister also threatened to cut off supply of electricity to Jersey if more fishing licences were not issued.
“On fishing, the Prime Minister and President agreed to work together to avoid any further escalation over the issue of fishing access,” a No10 spokeswoman said.
“The Prime Minister stressed the importance the UK places on having an agreement which respects our new status as an independent coastal state and works for the UK fishing industry.”
The row over access to the UK’s waters remains unresolved.
While the public rhetoric surrounding the dispute has cooled, tensions remain with French fisheries continuing to accuse the UK of blocking them for accessing British waters.
More to follow…
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