The French president attempted to use economic sanctions last week to push Britain to grant all 47 fishing licences sought by French fishermen rather than the 12 agreed.

       France rallied its European allies to put on a “common front” in the row, but the EU responded by calling for more “technical work”.

       Pierre-Yves Dachicourt, a fisherman from Boulogne, suggested there could be blockades in ports like his and Calais.

       He said: “We were promised to be able to go fishing in English waters but since January 1, it’s forbidden to us.

       “We’re losing 50 percent of our income. We’re going to consider direct action because this has to end.”