A UK Government Spokesperson said:
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spoke last night to European Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevi?ius, following several weeks of intensive technical discussions on licensing.
Throughout this process, the UK’s approach has been evidence-based and in line with our commitments under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). We have licensed vessels where sufficient evidence has been provided that demonstrates that a vessel qualifies for access under the TCA. Where that evidence has not been provided, licences have not been issued.
On direct replacement vessels, we have taken an approach in line with the TCA which provides stability and ensures the sustainability of our fisheries. Last night, following receipt of new evidence from the Commission, the UK licensed 18 replacement vessels on the basis of this methodology. Further technical work on 7 more licences for direct replacement vessels is scheduled to conclude on Monday.
Jersey has today announced that it can, following receipt of new data this week, issue permanent licences to an additional 5 qualifying vessels currently on temporary licences. This will take the total permanent licences issued by Jersey to 130.
This now concludes this phase of intensive talks on licensing.