ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
Britain could declare ‘Water Wars’ with the EU in retaliation amid escalating tensions over the shellfish ban, it emerged last night.
Ministers are said to be discussing measures to restrict the importation of European mineral water and seed potatoes as the UK looks set to end a number of continuity arrangements.
The EU had secured a temporary agreement on the importation of seed potatoes until the end of June but this could now come under fire after Brussels refused to end its blockade on UK shellfish.
Brussels has told British fishermen they are barred indefinitely from selling live mussels, oysters, clams and cockles to EU member states.
Britain has threatened the EU with ‘Water Wars’ as it fires a warning shot to Brussels in a tit-for-tat retaliation over the shellfish ban.
The shellfish can be transported to the Continent only if they have been treated in purification plants.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is thought to be personally angered by the EU’s decision.
This latest dispute began earlier this month after the EU banned the export of live mussels, oysters, clams and cockles from Britain’s so-called ‘Class B’ waters – which account for the vast majority of the produce – which is being seen as ‘petty revenge’ for Brexit.
