Britain and France reach truce after bitter scallop war
2 min read
Britain and France have reached an “agreement in principle” which would bring an end to a bitter standoff over scallop fishing in the English Channel.
The two countries agreed to the truce after crisis talks in London yesterday.
In a joint statement after the meeting, officials said the discussions had been “constructive”, while the French were said to have expressed "regret" over recent confrontations on the issue.
The agreement would see British boats refrain from fishing for scallops in the Bay of Seine during the period when the French are not allowed to catch.
In return British vessels will receive generous compensation packages – the details of which will be hashed out in Paris on Friday.
A joint statement from the UK and French governments said: “An agreement on the principles of a deal has been reached.
“The previous agreement involving the UK 15m and over fleet will be renewed.
“In addition, there is agreement in principle for UK under-15m vessels to be included in the deal.
“This is subject to a reasonable compensation package, the details of which will be defined in Paris on Friday.
“In the meantime, there is a voluntary agreement for all UK vessels to respect the French closure period in the Baie de Seine.”
Chief executive of the South Western Fish Producers Organisation, Jim Portus, said: “I'm very pleased that we've negotiated a deal which satisfies the honour of fishermen on both sides.
"The French are in a hurry to make sure that it happens because what they don't want either is for there to be another conflict.
"Quite frankly if it's not good enough on Friday, it will be rejected."
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