The Jersey fishing dispute were the main stories in Friday’s right leaning national papers.
The authorities in Jersey have promised further talks to help resolve the row, but the French government hit out at a “British failure” to abide by the terms of the UK-EU trade deal and warned it would “use all the leverage at our disposal” to protect the fishing industry.
The European Union also accused Jersey of breaching the deal signed by the UK and Brussels.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said efforts would be made to resolve the dispute with Emmanuel Macron’s government and the EU.
“What we have done is make very clear to the French ministers who said some very unwise and disproportionate comments that we will stand with the people of Jersey,” the Cabinet minister said.
Last night ex-speaker John Bercow slammed the Government’s ‘gunboat diplomacy’ on Question Time.
Well certain newspapers, didn’t take Bercow’s approach, and saw this argument as a great way to do a spot of warmongering with a series of jingoistic headlines.
The Sun cheers the Navy seeing off the protest around the Channel Island’s main port, St Helier, under a fish-themed headline of “Take sprat”.
The Daily Star runs with “‘Allo ‘Allo! French fishermen retreat after Brexit battle”.
The Daily Mail says French fishermen executed a “familiar manoeuvre”, calling it “Le grand surrender”.
And Metro calls the fishing skirmish a “Smash & crab”, reporting on the “French retreat” after a British boat was rammed.
Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph reports on the “battle of the lobster pots” but leads on the end of facemasks in classrooms.
The Daily Express splashes on forecasts of a strong rebound for Britain’s economy, saying it is set to grow at its fastest rate in 70 years.
The Times leads on same story, while also reporting people younger than 40 will be offered alternatives to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
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