British ships blockaded by fishermen at port of St Malo

FRENCH fisherman who claim they have been “humiliated” by Britain over post-Brexit operating licences today began blockading UK ships.

Just two days after 27 migrants drowned in their waters, their boats lined the entrance to St Malo port from dawn as they stopped the British Normandy Trader getting into the Brittany port from Jersey.

The militants are also set to target ferries arriving in Ouistreham and Calais, before using their vehicles to disrupt the access road to the Channel Tunnel.

“We’re hostage to politics,” said Pascal Lecler, one of the fishermen in St Malo. “It doesn’t make us happy to be here, but it can’t go on.”

He said some 150 French boats were still waiting for Britain to grant them licences to fish in UK waters.

Gerard Romiti, chairman of France’s National Fisheries Committee, said: “This is to demonstrate how professional fishermen come together in response to the UK’s provocative, contemptuous and humiliating attitude towards them.”

Today’s blockades were due to last for up to two hours each, said Mr Romiti, who said they should be viewed as “warning shots”.

Responding to the militancy, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said: “We are disappointed by threats of protest activity.

“It will be a matter for the French to ensure that there are no illegal actions and that trade is not affected.”