The telegraph
Boris Johnson ‘capitulated fully’ to fishing in trade deal, EU diplomats say
Boris Johnson “totally capitulated” to fisheries in the EU’s trade agreement negotiations, but both sides have pledged themselves, said EU diplomatic sources. On Thursday, Johnson finally accepted the bloc’s final offer to return British fishermen 25% of the value of fish caught in UK waters. It was a “big move”, the sources said, because it required 35% of the capture value. French officials said the British made big last-minute concessions. The United Kingdom and the EU have established a transition period of five and a half years before the start of the annual negotiations on fishing opportunities. There was satisfaction in Brussels for having forced the prime minister to back down, but anxiety that he might not be able to sell the business to his party’s hardline Brexiteers. “It will not be a total victory. It never is, ”said an EU diplomat. “I am a little concerned that London does not have the landing rights for the agreement with its constituents.” “Whatever happens, it will be presented as a great victory. Europeans will yawn, ”said another source, before confidently predicting that Johnson has the European MP Research Group“ in his pocket ”. “Every deal requires compromise and I think the UK can commit to fish, as it’s a short-term deal anyway,” said the EU’s first diplomat. “If we didn’t have what we needed, it would be difficult to see a deal closing, but a deal is never a total defeat.” The diplomat’s comments came at a time when fishermen on both sides of the Canal deplored the agreement. Jim Portus of the South Western Fish Producers’ Organization said: “We are all sitting with our fingers crossed hoping for the best for January 1st. “Better opportunities, even a minimum of extra quotas and a transition in stages, would be welcome, as long as they are well defined and the EU cannot avoid them in a few years.” Frederic Cuvillier, the mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, said: “It is a relief for our fishermen, but what will be the impact on stocks? “Who, for example, is going to take care of the controls? And how long? “” The only certainty today is that we need to find, during the transition period, more business within the business. “The focus in Brussels is now shifting to the approval process for the deal, which should be supported by the EU. This is expected to happen later this month at a video summit. Diplomatic sources said they expected leaders of Europe’s capitals to hold back from an enthusiastic conclusion of the agreement at this stage.