Commenting on his remarks a few days ago that resulted in an angry backlash from UK fishermen, Boulogne trawler skipper and President of the Hauts-de-France Fisheries Committee Olivier Lepretre commented that his words were intentionally strong ones.
‘We have to make it clear that we have measures open to us,’ he said. ‘But it’s better for everyone if things don’t go that far – and there are solutions.’
‘I would like to point out that we have no hatred for British fishermen, although I also want to make clear that English fishermen will expect to continue to fish in French waters, such as the scallop fishery in the Baie de Seine, and the French in British waters, in compliance with each country’s regulations.’
Olivier Lepretre commented that a Brexit war between neighbours only 30 kilometres apart will lead to the UK industry losing access to markets while the French loses access to fishing grounds.
‘It’s in everyone’s interests to reach agreements quickly,’ he said. ‘We must not lose sight of the fact that behind fishing companies are families that need to be fed and fishing supports further employment that keeps economies running. It would be damaging for everyone to return to the conflicts of the past.’
‘Unfortunately we are all victims of the European Commission that has been bought by lobbies. If the British fishermen voted 96% to leave, then if there were a referendum here then close to 100% of the industry would also vote to leave the EU, and the same would happen in other fishing nations,’ he said.
‘The attitude displayed by Brussels only serves to increase the strength of feeling against the EU,’ he said.
