France had previously said it could stop UK boats landing in its ports, but backed down and returned to the negotiating table after the UK Government threatened to start “rigorous” checks.
Speaking to the French senate today, Clement Beaune, France’s Europe minister said it would continue dialogue for a few days before measures would be taken.
He said: “If dialogue doesn’t bear fruit with the United Kingdom, we will defend our interests.
“Our objective remains the same: to ensure the agreement we signed is respected, to defend our fishers.”
The ongoing row with the UK is being seen by many in Europe as an attempt by Mr Macron’s administration to garner domestic support and fend off political opponents in the run up to next April’s presidential election.