The UK has summoned the French ambassador after a British scallop trawler was detained – as a row over fishing rights continues to escalate.
A government spokesman condemned “unjustified” threats from France over further action amid the ongoing dispute.
Brexit minister Lord Frost chaired a meeting on Thursday to consider London’s response.
“The proposed French actions are unjustified and do not appear to be compatible on the EU’s part with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) or wider international law,” a UK government spokesperson said.
“We regret the confrontational language that has been consistently used by the French government on this issue, which makes this situation no easier to resolve.
“We have raised our concerns strongly with both the French and the EU Commission. As a next step, the foreign secretary has instructed minister Morton to summon the French ambassador.
“We repeat that the government has granted 98% of licence applications from EU vessels to fish in the UK’s waters and, as has consistently been made clear, will consider any further evidence on the remainder.”