Late last night Paris issued an ultimatum to the UK over a fishing licences dispute. It warned if the Government did not give more French vessels the right to access UK waters it would slap sanctions on Britain.

       The French government said ministers have until November 2 to stop the measures being imposed.

       Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has granted SNP MP Deidre Brock an urgent question in the Commons on the matter with ministers set to give a statement to MPs outlining their response.

       Ms Brock will ask how ministers are planning to work with French officials to mitigate a trading dispute.

       A Government spokesman last night criticised Emmanuel Macron's administration, saying the "threats are disappointing and disproportionate".

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       Ministers first heard of the warning of sanctions from the media after they failed to be informed by the French Government itself.

       "It is very disappointing that France has felt it necessary to make threats late this evening against the UK fishing industry and seemingly traders more broadly," Lord Frost said last night.

       "As we have had no formal communication from the French Government on this matter we will be seeking urgent clarification of their plans.

       "We will consider what further action is necessary in that light."

       MPs will be updated on the situation at 10.30am.

       France has threatened to step up border and sanitary checks on goods from Britain, prevent British fishing boats from accessing designated French ports and beef up checks on trucks coming from and going to the UK unless more fishing licences are issued to European vessels.

       Paris also said it was "not ruling out reviewing its power supply to the UK".

       France's Europe minister Clement Beaune this morning told local news he was convinced the threats would force the UK to cave in talks on licences.

       "I stand by the fact we pursued dialogue until now, we got half of the fishing licences today, but that's not enough and not acceptable," he said.

       "So now, we need to speak the language of strength since that seems to be the only thing this British government understands," Beaune said.

       Under the EU trade deal, European vessels that have historically fished in British waters can continue to do so if they can present the necessary documentation to get a licence.

       France has accused the UK of failing to honour its commitments under the agreement and says a number of licences have not been granted.

       The UK says it has given licences to 98 percent of vessels and has only rejected applications from those who have failed to submit the necessary paperwork.

       Ministers have vowed to raise its concerns over France's threats with the European Commission.