NIGEL FARAGE has added his voice in the fishing rights row as tension rise following the detainment of a Scottish trawler seized by the French authorties.
Macduff Shellfish, owners of the scallop vessel Cornelis Gert Jan, say the boat was seized yesterday and “ordered into a French port while legally fishing for scallop in French waters.
Former UKIP leader Farage has urged the UK Government to hit back and take a tougher stance against French fisherman in British waters to protect British boats.
On Twitter, the TV news presenter, said: "British trawler impounded by the French.. Why don't we do the same to them when they come inside 6 miles next time?"
Macduff also called on the government to "defend the rights" of British fleets, having been caught up in the row between the two countries.
British trawler impounded by the French.. Why don't we do the same to them when they come inside 6 miles next time?
— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) October 28, 2021
Andrew Brown, director of sustainability and public affairs at Macduff, said: “The UK scallop fleet is provided access to French waters under the Brexit Fisheries Agreement. Macduff’s fishing activity is entirely legal.
“It appears our vessel has been caught up in the ongoing dispute between the UK and France on the implementation of the Brexit Fishing Agreement.
“The Cornelis does have catch aboard. This may be confiscated by the French authorities unless a speedy resolution is achieved.
“We are looking to the UK Government to defend the rights of the UK fishing fleet and ensure that the fishing rights provided under the Brexit Fishing agreement are fully respected by the EU."
The UK Government has said it could retaliate against France for the seizure, with Environment Secretary George Eustice saying threats to block British boats from French ports and tighten checks appear to breach international law.
READ MORE: Scottish scallop trawler seized in France with crew due in court amid fishing row
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