European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans expressed optimism the fishing row between France and UK will be resolved soon, saying that the two countries will find a way out of the ongoing licence issue. He also admitted that given their shared interests, it would be “foolish to have an acrimonious relationship”. Emmanuel Macron has been demanding the UK Government issue additional fishing licences to allow its vessels to catch fish in British waters.

       He continued: “There's more going on.

       “But, you know, at the end of the day, the strategic interests of the United Kingdom and the European Union coincide in so many areas, if you take a global perspective.

       The threats include cutting electricity to Jersey and stopping UK boats from docking at ports in France.

       But the French President suspended the threats at the 11th hour ahead of more talks between UK and French ministers on Thursday.

       France also detained a British trawler during the post-Brexit fishing row last week, saying it did not have a licence.

       The trawler has now been released by the French authorities.

       The trawler's owner, Macduff Shellfish, said it was "delighted" that the crew and vessel could return home.