This may include advertisements from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Britain is planning to change how it implements the deal in order to give more licences to French fishermen. Environment Secretary George Eustice is planning to allow licences earmarked for certain vessels to be transferred to replacement boats. Hopes of a breakthrough on the issue come just days before Mr Macron's latest deadline for progress on the matter. France has accused the UK of failing to honour its commitments under the EU trade deal, by issuing licences to those with historical access to British waters. If more permits were not granted by December 10, it would take matters into its own hands, blocking ports and increasing customs checks on goods travelling to the UK. There will be a lot of chaos in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with many presents planned to be gifted on December 25 on the continent.
Ministers argue that the actions would break international law. A government spokesman said that our approach to fisheries licensing has been reasonable and fully in line with our commitments. We have licensed more than 1,700 EU vessels. We will continue to look at evidence in support of the remaining applications and discussions will continue with the European Commission this week. The EU boats must show they fished in UK waters each year between 2012 and 2016 to be granted a licence. Britain is going to give concessions to France tomorrow by offering to give licences to fishermen even if they have changed vessels since then, according to The Telegraph. READ MORE: Brussels backed to falter as the bitter feud with the UK escalates.
If the fisheries can prove their current vessel replaced one that historically used UK waters, they will be granted a licence. The Government hopes to make a change in approach to meet demands from Mr Macron for a significant gesture on fishing by Friday's deadline. More applications for access to UK coastal waters will still be accepted by UK officials trying to ease tensions. The EU donates a huge Brexit fund to Ireland to mitigate the impact of Brexit UPDATE NotBrexit. New York hit with CREAM CHEESE crisis INSIGHT Economist lifts lid on UK financial surge INSIGHT Mr Macron has picked a fight not only with Britain over the licences but also with the Channel Islands, accusing Jersey and Guernsey of failing to issue correct licences under a similar deal struck with them. It is hoped that 49 permanent fishing licences issued last month will appease Paris. Britain's eagerness to find a solution to the row comes despite deteriorating relations with Mr Macron's government. Last week it was reported that the French President has referred to Mr Johnson as a clown.