BOULOGNE, France — French authorities have impounded a British fishing vessel accused of operating illegally in French territorial waters, reigniting political tensions over post-Brexit fishing rights and enforcement.

The vessel was seized by the French Navy on Thursday night in the English Channel and is now being held at the port of Boulogne pending a potential prosecution.

French officials allege the crew was fishing without a valid licence.

According to the French Coastguard, the naval patrol ship Pluvier intercepted the British vessel during a routine inspection on 23 May and ordered it to dock in Boulogne “for the purpose of initiating prosecution.” No timeline has been given for the legal proceedings.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting a British national in France and is in contact with local authorities.

“As the vessel remains subject to an ongoing investigation by French fisheries authorities, we are unable to comment further at this time,” a UK government spokesperson said.

The incident has stirred political criticism in the UK, especially following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s recent agreement with the European Union, which includes a controversial provision granting EU fishing boats access to UK waters for an additional 12 years.

The agreement is part of a broader reset deal covering trade, defence, and energy.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused France of “shameful double standards,” claiming French authorities do little to intercept migrant boats crossing the Channel, yet acted swiftly in this case.

“If the French can now intercept boats then they should start stopping the boats with illegal immigrants — as international law obliges them to do,” Philp said.

The Conservatives and Reform UK have called the deal a “surrender” to Brussels, while the Liberal Democrats praised it as a constructive step toward rebuilding UK–EU ties. — BBC