Brexit Britain and EU head to court over fishing row as legal showdown erupts

The UK and European Union (EU) are heading to court next week after failed negotiations over the catching of sand eels.

The UK has banned European boats from catching the fish species to protect the wildlife that relies on them as a food source, yet the EU is challenging the move.

This will mark the first courtroom appearance for the two sides over a trade dispute since the 2021 Brexit trade deal.

Sandeel are a group of small-eel-like fish often a favourite for other species like cod and haddock. The UK has effectively stopped its own fleet from fishing for them on the ground of overfishing and protecting the North Sea ecosystem.

The EU is arguing that the British ban discriminates against Danish vessels that fish for sand eels to sell to animal feed and fish oil producers, which would breach the Brexit trade agreement.

After formal talks over the matter failed, the disagreement will now take place in a three-day tribunal hearing if the two sides do not compromise before.

The case will begin on Tuesday next week (January 28) at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. This is a dispute resolution body based in the Hague where a panel of three international trade judges will hear both sides.

The officials will reach one of two conclusions: uphold the UK’s current position on the ban of EU vessels fishing for sand eel or order the nation to change or drop its ban.

However, Brussels could retaliate with tariffs on British exports if ministers refuse to comply.

Following the hearing, a final ruling must be passed by the end of April, with no right to appeal from either side.

Meanwhile, separate negotiations between the UK and EU over new catch limits are set to take place before June next year, when the current trade deal arrangements expire.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is using the opportunity to attempt to persuade EU leaders to strike new deals in security and food trade. He has previously said he aims to “reset” relations with the UK.