France threatens to cut off Jersey's electricity supply over fishing row
France's Maritime Minister has backed fishermen's calls to cut off Jersey's electricity supply in retaliation to a fall out over fishing rights in Bailiwick waters.
Annick Girardin reportedly told the parliament in Paris yesterday that her administration was "ready to use... retaliation measures" against the Channel Islands.
Jersey imports more than 90% of its power from France. And that will have a knock on effect for Guernsey too which gets its electricity through Jersey.
In light of the developing situation, Jersey Electricity says La Collette Power Station and Queens’ Road can supply the island with power.
Guernsey Electricity also says it will be able to provide power in the event that it is cut from France.
It is after post-Brexit rules came into force on Friday (30 April), which limit the number of days French boats can catch in local waters.
French officials say there are more restrictions placed on the licences than was ever agreed with Jersey's External Relation's Minister.
Meanwhile Senator Gorst says "it takes time to adjust".
But in response to that, Marc Lefèvre President of the Departmental Council of La Manche says the relationship between Jersey and France is "seriously damaged".
The above tweet translates into English as:
"This exchange mainly resulted in the observation on my part that the relationship of trust is very seriously damaged. It is unacceptable that Jersey unilaterally sets the conditions for approvals in any contradiction with the terms of the treaty."
Some fishermen in the island are urging for a deal to be sorted soon so jobs can be secured.