LONDON (Reuters) - Britain said on Tuesday that France had freed a British scallop dredger that was seized last week in French waters near Le Havre, and welcomed Paris's decision to step back from a row over fishing.

       Asked if the impounded vessel, the Cornelis Gert Jan, had been released, British Environment Secretary George Eustice said: "Yes. I understand that that vessel has now been released."

       "It's a decision by the French to step back from the threats they made," Eustice told Sky. "We welcome that."

       (Reporting by Sarah Young and Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Kate Holton)