France may impose new sanctions on British goods after Brexit

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France may impose new sanctions on British goods after Brexit

Downing Street is keeping a close eye on movements by Emmanuel Macron's government from across the Channel as post-Brexit talks over the granting of fishing licenses for French vessels to fish in UK waters continue, according to The Sun. France has now increased the ante and reportedly wants to increase import taxes on British goods. If it is unable to get enough support from the European Union to make this move, it could still order more physical checks on goods, triggering huge traffic tailbacks at Dover and Calais.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex could be ready to warn UK and EU negotiators they have until the end of Friday to come to terms on the matter. Later on Tuesday he is set to detail a package of mooted reprisals that could come into effect as early as next Monday. The reported punishments could include blocking energy supplies to the UK - in particular Jersey - and cutting off Britain's fishing fleet from accessing French ports. Last week, France set a two-week deadline for Britain and Jersey to give French fishermen greater access to their coastal waters.

The French have been left furious after the UK approved just 15 permits out of 47 applications for small French fishing boats to operate in its territorial waters. Jersey, which relies on France for 95 per cent of its electricity supply, refused 66 temporary licenses and 31 full permits, but issued 73 applications. EU boats have been given until the end of this month to provide data to prove their right to fish in Channel Island waters after Brexit. During a meeting with the European Commission and representatives of the fishing industry from France, French maritime minister Annick Girardin gave Britain and Jersey until November 1 to approve more licences. READ MORE: British expats face disaster over homes bought in Spain before Brexit.

Brexit: EU turns screw Article 16 row explodes REPORT Speaker explodes at Sunak as he demands Chancellor has to RESIGN LATEST Brexit: French police to be like 'bees around honeypot' with UK cars INTERVIEW This came after French Europe minister Clement Beaune warned EU member states are preparing to announce measures to apply pressure on the UK to abide by the terms of the Brexit deal. He raged: We defend our interests. We do it diplomatically, but when that doesn't work, we take measures. For example, we can imagine, since we're talking about energy, the United Kingdom depends on our energy supplies. It thinks that it can live all alone and bash Europe.