Catherine Barnard on LBC: the French-UK fishing dispute, Article 16 and more
·5 min
Professor Catherine Barnard, an EU law expert, is interviewed on LBC about the French-UK fishing dispute. The episode opens with conflicting claims: the UK says 98% of French fishing licences are granted, while France says it's only 50% around Jersey and Guernsey. Barnard clarifies that the dispute centers on dozens of licences under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which requires proof of historical fishing. She notes that big boats with expensive equipment can easily provide this proof, but small boats struggle. This technical issue parallels disputes over the Northern Ireland protocol, where the UK seeks flexibility while the EU insists on strict rules. Barnard points out the irony: France demands flexibility for its fishermen but strictness in Northern Ireland, while the UK does the opposite. The conversation shifts to Article 16, a safeguard trigger the UK might use if the Northern Ireland agreement fails. Barnard connects the fishing war to broader Brexit politics, mentioning that fishermen who voted to leave the EU now face export paperwork difficulties. She explains that technical committees under the agreement work well, but politics can escalate conflicts, as seen in May when France blockaded Jersey and the UK sent a Navy ship. The episode emphasizes the blend of technical details and political maneuvering in post-Brexit relations.
