It emerged that France is resolving to withdraw from the UK’s fishing dispute, citing its desire for closer defence ties.
Parisian officials stated that President Emmanuel Macron wanted a truce to end the cross-Channel War of Words over British Fishing Waters Access.
They added that European governments need the UK’s military might if they are to wean themselves off their dependence on the US.
In the clash over fishing, France had repeatedly threatened ‘punishment sanctions’ such as stopping British trawlers docking in ports or slapping extra customs checks on goods.
Last week one of Mr Macron’s most trusted aides, Europe minister Clement Beaune, insisted that ‘all options are still on the table’.
Officials claimed that President Emmanuel Macron (pictured addressing a culture event Monday) is seeking a truce during the cross-Channel War of Words over British access to British Fishing waters.
After France had withdrawn its deadline for obtaining more post-Brexit fishing licenses, his comments were made.
Senior sources inside Mr Macron’s Republic On The Move party said the greater prize of security co-operation with Britain convinced the French leader to avoid souring ties further
An insider told the Daily Mail: ‘We cannot rely on Italy, Spain and Germany. The British are essential for European defense, no matter what you do.
‘There are strategic challenges to face that are much more important than arguing over a few small fishing trawlers.’
After accusing the crew members of not having a valid license to fish off Normandy, the French confiscated Cornelis Gert Jan, a Scottish-registered scallop dragger. The boat was eventually released.
British officials had dismissed Mr Macron’s previous hardline stance as ‘theatre’ ahead of next April’s presidential election in France.
Any increases in British defense ties will be likely after the election. Pictured: Mr Macron has declared strengthening European defense a top priority and warned that Europe could become irrelevant if it doesn’t spend more.
According to senior sources, Mr Macron decided not to sow ties with Britain further because of the security benefits offered by Britain. Pictured: French rowers were impounded a British trawler
After the US’ hasty withdrawal, the Afghanistan debacle left France and Britain unable to confront the Taliban on their own.
In a speech last month, Brexit minister Lord Frost suggested Britain and other EU countries ‘could do more together on foreign policy and defence’ if rows could be solved.
Ties between No 10 and France have also been strained by disputes over the Northern Ireland Protocol and a submarine deal with Australia and the US that saw a £26billion contract with Paris ripped up.
France briefly recalled its ambassadors to Washington and Canberra over ‘unacceptable behaviour’. France’s envoy to the UK, Catherine Colonna, remained in London, but a planned defence summit was postponed.
The Government’s latest review of post-Brexit defence policy said Downing Street wanted to ‘enhance’ its partnership with France, provided that trade ties were managed in ‘a constructive way’.
In 2010, the last defense pact was made between France and Britain. The countries created the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force military force group, and agreed to cooperate on the development of nuclear and missile technologies.
Last year, Boris Johnson (pictured today) promised a four-year £16.5bn splurge on defence to upgrade British capabilities and experts say Britain is seen as Europe’s major military power
France’s latest strategic review raised the possibility of boosting ties with the UK on issues such as defence procurement.
The UK is the biggest military spender in Europe, with an annual budget of £43billion, while France is second on £38.9billion, according to data from the World Bank.
Last year, Boris Johnson promised a four-year £16.5billion splurge on defence to upgrade British capabilities.
Nato strategist Julian Lindley-French said: ‘Britain is Europe’s major military power. There is nowhere else for France to turn to.’
Asked about closer security co-operation with Paris once solutions can be found to the fishing and Ulster rows, a Government source said: ‘There are many areas of mutual interest which we can build upon if we can get the relationship on to a better footing.’