Former British ambassador Craig Murray described the move as stupid . The row erupted after the Jersey government said French fishing boats would be required to obtain a licence to fish in the island’s waters under the terms of the UK’s post-Brexit trade deal with the EU which came into force last week. It caused anger in French fishing communities, who complained that boats which had operated there for years were suddenly having their access to the fisheries restricted. Earlier this week, French maritime minister Annick Girardin said Paris would cut off electricity to Jersey – which gets 95% of its power supply from France – if the dispute was not resolved.