Thread by @john_lichfield

Fish war latest. Not a big breakthrough but a significant advance which, by implication, weakens the UK and Jersey govt positions.
Guernsey has just issued 43 permanent licenses for French boats to fish within the island’s 12 mile limit. 1/6
lemonde.fr/international/…

Guernsey – also covering Sark and Alderney - has always been more cooperative than Jersey or UK. It has been rolling over lots of temporary licences for 11 months since Brexit. It has now issued 43 out of 59 permanent permits requested by France. Others still being considered 2/6

Only 111 French licences for inshore fishing are now outstanding, according to Paris.
In cricket “111” is known as a “Nelson”. Ha ha.
3/6

The 111 missing licenses are 59 in Jersey waters and 52 in English waters. The latter include 40 “new” Fr boats which London refuses to accept as “direct replacements” (though allowed by the post-Brexit treaty)
4/6

The 111 missing licenses are 59 in Jersey waters and 52 in English waters. The latter include 40 “new” Fr boats which London refuses to accept as “direct replacements” (though allowed by the post-Brexit treaty).
4/6

If Guernsey can accept the French claims, why not Jersey or the UK, you may ask? Guernsey has taken a helpful approach from the start. Jersey started off confrontationally but has shifted to a more practical viewpoint. Jersey HAS been issuing extra licences in ones and twos. 5/6

UKG bloody minded from the start (no temporary licenses for English waters, unlike J and G). If London can recognise the 30 “replacement boats” (talks under way), a deal is now possible.
France threatens action unless agreement is reached by Friday week (Dec 10). 6/6

NNNN

7/6 Sorry, it's 40 "replacement" boats as originally stated but 30 of them are regarded as a priority by Paris because they rely on catches within 6-12 mile of the English coast. 7/6