Man From Jersey Fires Musket At French Boats

A bloke from a historical re-enactment group in Jersey has fired a musket at French boats off the coast of the island.

Well, that isn't at all embarrassing.

The man in question is a member of the Jersey Militia re-enactment group and he took aim at French vessels from Elizabeth Castle earlier this (Thursday 6 May) morning, according to ITV.

It comes after a French flotilla of between 60 and 80 boats blockaded Jersey's main port in protest over post-Brexit fishing rights.

The French fisherman argue their rights are unfairly restricted, with some licenses to fish the islands waters rejected by authorities.

More specifically, they claim requirements for licences were added without any discussion or notice.

Two Royal Navy ships and two French vessels were sent to the waters in St Helier, on the south coast of the Channel Island.

PA

The boats have now left the port, but the Royal Navy vessels will remain in place for the time being to monitor the situation.

A No. 10 spokesperson said Boris Jonson pledged his 'unequivocal support' for the island during talks with Jersey officials, while the island's external relations minister Ian Gorst said discussions aimed at resolving the dispute had been 'positive'.

However, Cyril Piraud - a fisherman who was part of a delegation that met Jersey authorities - thought the meeting was a waste of time.

Speaking to French newspaper Ouest-France, he said: "I'm not sure why we even went to see them.

"They are putting all the blame on the French government, who they say did not provide them with the right information.

"If we do nothing, we're going to end up being squeezed out, little by little. This can only be sorted out on dry land now. The [French] minister has to carry out her threats."

PA

The threat he's referencing is that of maritime minister Annick Girardin, who said Jersey's electricity supply could be cut off.

She said: "We are ready to use these retaliation measures. Europe, France has the means - that's written in the deal.

"With regards to Jersey, I would remind you, for example, of electricity transmission by underwater cable. So, we have the means.

"Even if I would regret getting to that point, we will if we have to."

But who needs lights, telly and internet when you've got a musket, eh?

Topics: UK News, Funny, brexit, Weird

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey