The detention of a British catamaran fishing for whelks in French waters without a licence has sparked outrage in the UK. The incident comes hours after Sir Keir Starmer allowed French fishing fleets access to British waters until 2038, seen by some as a gesture of appeasement towards the European Union.
However, it is France’s unwavering commitment to its national identity and laws that stands out. The French take their “certaine idée de la France” – a specific culture, way of life, and rights for citizens – very seriously. They enforce laws protecting these things without hesitation, unlike the UK.
This contrast between British and French approaches is striking. While the UK seems to prioritize avoiding controversy and criticism, France unapologetically defends its values and customs. The detention of a trawler for breaching whelk fishing regulations would likely result in a stern warning in France, whereas in the UK, such an incident might be met with leniency.
A closer examination of France’s response to allegations of “entryism” by the Muslim Brotherhood also highlights this difference. When Emmanuel Macron accused the group of seeking to Islamify French institutions, the far Left and most of the population rallied behind him, united in their concern for French identity. In contrast, British politicians who express similar concerns would be swiftly condemned as racist.
The UK’s soft approach on borders has sparked anger and concern, but it is also time for the country to re-examine its stance. By looking at France’s unwavering commitment to its people and laws, the UK may realize that it needs to take a firmer stand in defending its own rights and customs.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/24/france-shows-up-the-uks-utter-spinelessness