Former British ambassador calls for end to 'silly threats to cut off electricity'

6 May 2021, 16:35

Lord Ricketts calls for end to 'silly threats to cut off electricity'

EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Former British Ambassador to France Lord Ricketts has called for an end to "silly threats" to cut of the electricity to the island of Jersey.

The statement comes amid rising tensions between the European Union country and the self-governing Crown dependency.

Royal Navy ships are patrolling the waters around Jersey amid an ongoing row between the island and France over post-Brexit fishing rights.

Dozens of French fishing vessels descended on Jersey on Thursday morning in what was said to have resembled an "invasion", before retreating after talks were held to ease tensions.

But former National Security Adviser Lord Ricketts said the Government of Jersey and the French fishermen should come to a "diplomatic solution."

Watch: French trawler rams UK boat as Jersey fishing stand-off escalates

He pointed out the lack of an issue between Gurnsey and French fishermen as he called for calm.

He branded the scenes off the coast of the island as a "classic day of French protest."

Watch: 'I told you so': James O'Brien's fiery clash with an ex-Brexit Party MEP on fishing

An estimated 60 boats approached the port of St Helier before dawn, with some reportedly having set out from France as early as 3am.

But he said the situation could only be resolved by "proper dialogue."

More Eddie Mair

Eddie Mair's heated row with Sir Iain Duncan-Smith on cost of living measures

Eddie Mair's heated row with Sir Iain Duncan Smith on cost of living measures

Where to seek help if you're impacted by the cost of living crisis

Where to seek help if you're impacted by the cost of living crisis

Eddie Mair scrutinises Tory MP who backs Liz Truss over her stance 'on woke'

Eddie Mair scrutinises Tory MP who backs Liz Truss over her stance 'on woke'

Furious caller clashes with climate scientists over 'pointless' net-zero targets

Furious caller clashes with climate scientists over 'pointless' net zero targets

Eddie Mair lists Ministers with the power to oust Boris Johnson

Eddie Mair lists Ministers with the power to oust Boris Johnson

'Horrific': LBC listeners reveal chilling experiences of stalking

'Horrific': LBC listeners reveal chilling experiences of stalking

'Scotland is inept': Scottish caller furious over idea of IndyRef 2

'Scotland is inept': Scottish caller outraged at idea of IndyRef 2

Texas Republican: Ensuring doors work properly will stop school shootings

Texas Republican: Ensuring doors work properly will stop school shootings

'You don't need a crystal ball!': Furious Eddie Mair corners Tory MP on cost of living crisis

'You don't need a crystal ball!': Furious Eddie Mair corners Tory MP on cost of living crisis

Exclusive
Kremlin chaos: Putin 'constantly surrounded by doctors' as illness throws regime in disarray

Putin 'constantly surrounded by doctors' as illness throws Kremlin into chaos

Tory MP: 'Oil companies have a cartel monopoly' over consumers

Tory MP: 'Oil companies have a cartel monopoly' over consumers

Jack Monroe slams Tory MP's 'abhorrent' food bank comments

Jack Monroe slams Tory MP's 'abhorrent' food bank comments

Tory MP accuses peer of 'hyperbole' over anti-protest bill concerns

Tory MP accuses peer of 'hyperbole' over anti-protest bill concerns

'Prime Minister in waiting!' Starmer saluted after Covid fine resignation pledge

'Prime Minister in waiting!' Starmer saluted after Covid fine resignation pledge

From Covid infection to being fined: Eddie Mair's painstaking timeline on partygate and Boris

From Covid infection to the fine: Eddie Mair's painstaking timeline on partygate and Boris

Partygate fines: Eddie Mair grills Tory MP Sir Roger Gale over PM future

Partygate fines: Eddie Mair grills Tory MP over PM's future