Thursday (October 28th): Bojo’s Fighting for Fish

Boris Johnson (Bojo) United Kingdom
Boris Johnson

Name? Boris Johnson

Westphalian identity? British

Age? 57

Why is he in the news? UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson (or, as we know him, BoJo) has been in a tense battle with French fishermen over boating licenses. Now, BoJo is in the news again for summoning the French ambassador after a British vessel was seized by French authorities in response to the delayed approvals. 

Why do we care? Besides entertainment value (a boat taken hostage, you can’t make this stuff up), this issue is so contentious because the city-island issuing the licenses, Jersey, is British territory nearest to French waters. The space is essential to French vessels for coastal cities, but keeping British boats is essential to Bojo in order to sell fish to European markets. The French claim the city-island is intentionally delaying licenses by adding extra requirements without notice.

Why should you care? This catfight, unfortunately, can have a direct impact on the supplies that coastal cities receive for their food. The industry, however, makes up 0,5% of Britain’s economy, and 1,7% of France’s. The issue is likely being politicized by both sides in a vie for ‘sovereignty’ by Bojo and a jab against Brexit by Macron who is facing elections in May. So, you should care 2/10, a point added for drama.

Who else cares?  French sea minister Annick Girardin tweeted at Johnson’s government, claiming that 10% of the UK’s committed licenses are missing—and they are owed to France. Because of this, France has threatened to cut off electricity supplies from Jersey if they do not grant licenses to French fishers. Considering 95% of the city’s supply is from France, this is a sizable threat. 

Any further comments? Johnson is unlikely to respond aggressively; a dialogue is open, so we predict that the fight will likely deescalate with the French ambassador, and BoJo will have gained some political clout back home for standing up to those pesky fishermen.

Francia Morales

Editor in Chief for Research and Analysis