Should French fishermen be allowed to come and collect whiting and mackerel in British waters? The subject has been poisoning relations between London and Paris for months, but the issue of fishing rights in the Channel Sea is turning into a diplomatic crisis. France accuses the UK of not granting the permissions promised in the post-Brexit deal. London, for its part, criticizes French fishermen for not providing the necessary supporting documents …
This morning, the French government decided to raise its tone. “It’s not war but it’s a fight” said Annick Girardin, Minister of the Sea, announcing the implementation of retaliatory measures: from next Tuesday, British ships will therefore not have access to French ports. UK Environment Minister denounces threats “disproportionate” and calls for de-escalation.
Scotland champions wind power
After all these exchanges of kindness by interposed ministers, Emmanuel Macron and Boris Johnson will soon have opportunities to reconcile. They will see each other at the G20, organized in Rome this weekend, and especially at the COP26, which opens Monday in Glasgow.
And on the climate front, the UK intends to be among the good performers. The country has just presented a major investment plan to achieve its “green revolution”: decarbonize electricity production, develop electric vehicles or even rely on wind energy. Scotland is also one of the most advanced territories in this area, tells us Richard Place, the radiofrance correspondent in the United Kingdom, who went there.
Wanabee, a feminist hit?
After Scotland, head to London, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Spices Girls’ first album. Tomorrow will be released a reissued version of “Spice”, which sold over 18 million copies worldwide. The opportunity to discuss with Yann Bertrand, head of the culture department of franceinfo, on this album which marked the history of pop, but which was also a feminist marker, by claiming a “girl power” aspect which inspired many artists thereafter.
Find “Le Quart d’Heure” from Monday to Friday on franceinfo, on the application Radio France and all other podcast apps (Spotify, Apple podcasts, Podcast Addict, Deezer …).