Brexit talks will decide UK fishing rights, EU says
Michel Barnier derides Michael Gove's plan to 'take back control' of the seas
Questions have been raised about the UK's withdrawal from the London fisheries convention, including whether EU law supersedes UK policy and whether Britain has the capacity to police its own waters.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced on Sunday that the UK was "taking back control" of the fishing territory between six and 12 nautical miles from UK coastline, a decision he hailed as an "important moment" for the UK fisheries policy.
However, Michel Barnier, the European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, downplayed Gove's announcement and said EU law supersedes the UK's position.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Others questioned whether the UK has the naval capability to police its own territory. Admiral Lord Alan West, a retired senior officer of the Royal Navy, described the UK plan as "amazingly complacent".
He also warned the country risked becoming a "laughing stock" if it didn't increase the number of vessels needed to police the territory.
The London fisheries convention, signed in 1964, allows vessels from France, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands to fish in waters within six to 12 miles from the UK coast.
The EU Common Fisheries Policy allows all European countries access between 12 and 200 nautical miles of the UK, as well as setting quotas, and some argue it may take precedence over UK law.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - October 31, 2024
Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - cosplayer-in-chief, one more gaffe for the road, and more
By The Week US Published
-
What is the next Tory leader up against?
Today's Big Question Kemi Badenoch or Robert Jenrick will have to unify warring factions and win back disillusioned voters – without alienating the centre ground
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Epic meltdown'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published