Trade wars

The new Cod War? Brexit trade tensions rise as UK 'hires more patrol boats' to keep out EU fishing fleet ahead of showdown over access to British waters

Britain is today bolstering the ranks of its fishing police force ahead of a potential showdown with the European Union over post-Brexit access to UK waters. 

Fishing rights have already emerged as one of the key battlegrounds in future partnership talks between the UK and the EU.

Brussels is adamant that there must be 'reciprocal access' on fishing so that existing arrangements which allow European trawlers to fish near the UK can continue. 

But the government is equally adamant that who fishes in British waters will solely be a decision for ministers and priority will be given to British boats.

Growing tension over future fishing access is likely to spark fears of a repeat of the so-called 'scallop wars' in 2018 which saw French and British boats angrily clash over access to shellfish off the coast of Normandy. 

The UK is taking steps to prepare for all eventualities, with the government having reportedly hired two extra ships to provide additional help to the Royal Navy Fishery Protection Squadron's current four ship fleet.