Island to take part in post-Brexit fishing rights talks with EU

Remote discussions between officials have been held with the European Commission this week. The UK, France and Jersey have also been holding meetings with the European Commission.

The French government has threatened action against the UK in the dispute, claiming not enough fishing licences have been granted to its fishermen to work in British waters.

The UK government meanwhile has threatened legal action against the French government, which has also seen Jersey become a flash point.

Threats to cut the electricity supply from a subsea cable to Jersey, which also connects to Guernsey, have been made by the French.

In an update to the talks this week, a States of Guernsey spokesman said: ‘Like the UK and Jersey, Guernsey officials have held discussions with European Commission officials.

‘It is not possible to comment in detail as further talks will take place next week, in line with the roadmap we set out in September, but so far the discussions have been positive and constructive.’

The States of Guernsey has previously explained that the roadmap sets out the transition from the current interim authorisation to a new licensing arrangement, in line with the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s requirements.

Separately, UK Brexit minister Lord Frost yesterday met France’s Europe minister in Paris to try and resolve the disrupt over fishing rights.

Both are expected to speak again early next week, reported the BBC.