Industry sources have claimed French trawlermen will attempt to disrupt the festive period by blockading Calais and other ports because colleagues were refused permits to fish in Britain’s waters. Andrew Bridgen, Conservative MP for North West Leicestershire, said: “It is very disappointing given that over 98 per cent of French fishermen have applied for licences and received them. “I have no doubt that their unreasonable action will be much supported by President Macron in the run up to his elections in April. Let’s not forget, these are sovereign waters and our fish.”

       The threats came despite Britain and Jersey agreeing to license 23 more French vessels to trawl their waters in a conclusion to a long-running dispute over post-Brexit permits.

       A further seven boats could also be granted access today as EU and UK officials end a month-long period of intensive negotiations.

       Olivier Lepretre, head of the Hauts-de-France regional fisheries committee, said: “Protests are planned, following on from the blockade of Breton and Norman ports that took place on November 26.

       “Actions will target the import of British products. French fishermen are more than ever united against adversity and don’t intend to take it lying down faced with so much bad faith.”

       Union bosses are believed to be finalising the planned action but sources claimed the blockades will likely take place before December 23, with a deliberate focus on Christmas shipments.

       Insiders said fishermen felt “betrayed” by the UK because they were expecting more than 100 permits, and “abandoned by the European Commission”.

       Asked about a resolution, Mr Bridgen said: “I don’t see any resolution until after the French presidential elections in April.”

       The UK has granted around 1,800 licences to European fishing vessels to trawl its waters, including more than 800 French boats, under the Brexit trade deal.

       The EU commissioner for fishing, Virginijus Sinkevicius, yesterday thanked the UK for “respecting” the December 10 deadline by which Paris had demanded additional licences to small boats seeking to fish in the coastal waters of the UK and its Crown Dependencies.

       He said: “The two weeks were very intensive, we’ve managed to bring over 80 additional licences now.”

       A Government spokesman said: “We are closely monitoring the actions of French fishermen and look to the French authorities to ensure that the free flow of traffic and trade is not disrupted.

       “We have licensed vessels where sufficient evidence has been provided that demonstrates they qualify for access under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.”