Reports in Guernsey had suggested that the UK had agreed to extend the limits from three-miles – but the UK Ministry of Justice has confirmed that will only happen if Jersey fishermen are allowed access.
The island’s Chief Minister, Mike Torode, has been quoted as saying: ‘The British government is now saying that it thinks it is appropriate that the Bailiwick has a 12-mile territorial sea.
‘But they have said that Guernsey, Sark and Alderney must all be in agreement as to how this limit will be administered and policed.’
But Chief Minister Frank Walker said Deputy Torode left out a key element of the deal – the UK say Jersey must have reasonable access before they will allow any extension.
‘The reports do not give the full picture,’ he said. ‘Nothing has changed.
‘I was given a categorical assurance by the minister, Michael Wills, that there will be no question of Guernsey being able to licence fisheries in those waters until there is an agreement with Jersey.’
