Paris threatens to cut off Jersey's energy supply after UK denies France fishing access

France's EU affairs minister said that EU may impose sanctions on UK and Jersey's energy supplies as a result of UK's refusal to issue eugh fishing licences to French fishermen. As per a report by Guardian, Clément Beaune stated that action will be taken in next few days and that talks were alrey underway.

France has been lobbying with EU to take a tougher approach against UK because it believes that Boris Johnson's government is violating its duties regarding fishing rights in Channel seas. A third of French boats that applied to fish in Jersey's seas were denied by island's ministration last week. Jersey is self-governing dependency of United Kingdom just off coast of France. Only 12 of 47 French vessels were granted licences for UK's coastal waters week before.

Paris has alrey indicated that it may cut off energy to Jersey

Beaune said that y will take actions at European level or at national level to increase pressure on United Kingdom in coming days, according to Guardian. He also said that y do things in a polite and diplomatic manner, but if that doesn't work, y will resort to force.  United Kingdom is a net importer of energy from nuclear power plants in France. Paris has alrey indicated that it may cut off energy to Jersey, which it supplies via undersea cables under a contractual agreement between EDF and Jersey Electricity Company. 

In a speech to French parliament, French PM Jean Castex stated that his government would prefer to appeal to an arbitration tribunal, which would be simpler to sell to fellow EU member states, or go it alone and cancel bilateral accords with UK. He also said that y will examine all circumstances for a more thorough implementation of agreements reached under auspices of European Union if required. 

energy section of agreement gives UK nearly unrestricted access

tre and cooperation deal also establishes a link between EU's continuous access to British seas until June 30, 2026, and United Kingdom's access to bloc's electricity grid and gas network.  energy section of agreement gives UK nearly unrestricted access, but it expires on same date as access pact, creating possibility that it could be used as lever. After 2026, annual negotiations will determine level of fishing quota.

Im: Unsplash/@Pascal Bernardon