NAVY gunboats are on standby in the Channel after French trawlermen were snubbed over post-Brexit fishing licences.
It raised fears of a new blockade of Jersey by French militants.
Brussels had applied for at least 47 new permits for European boats to fish near the UK mainland but was granted just 12.
Meanwhile, fewer than 50 licences will be granted for the waters around Jersey today despite 166 boats claiming historical ties.
It is feared those rejected could blockade the Channel Island again.
French fishermen blockaded Jersey in May.
Government insiders warned “all contingency measures are on the table”.
France’s Europe minister Clement Beaune warned they would “not hesitate” at retaliating if they felt short changed.
A UK Government spokesperson insisted their “approach has been reasonable” and “fully in line with our commitments” made in the Brexit trade deal.
They added: “We continue to work with the Commission and the French authorities and will consider any further evidence provided to support the remaining licence applications.”
