France seizes UK fishing boat in deepening post-Brexit row

It's not war, but it is a fight, says French minister; extra customs checks on British goods

Britain on Thursday condemned France's "disproportionate" seizure of a British fishing boat in French waters, marking a sharp deterioration in a row over post-Brexit fishing rights that is in danger of spinning out of control.

French Seas Minister Annick Girardin said the vessel was detained during routing checks off the northern port of Le Havre overnight as it was not allowed to fish in French territorial waters. A second British boat was given a verbal warning.

The action signalled France's determination not to back down in the dispute after setting out potential sanctions against Britain if there is no progress in talks.