Barents Sea’s fishing grounds are famous for the cod and haddock, which are then sold in the UK (Picture: Getty)
Vladimir Putin is preparing to declare a war on Britain’s fishing industry – just days after Rishi Sunak vowed that Ukraine ‘will never be alone’ as he pledged £2.5 billion of military aid.
The Kremlin is reported to be ready to terminate a Cold War deal that permits UK boats to fish in the Barents Sea.
Russian newspaper Izvestiya – controlled by Putin’s long-term lover Alina Kabaeva – reported that the agriculture ministry has submitted draft legislation to ban the UK from the key fishing grounds.
This means Russia could use warships to deter any trawlers found in the waters.
‘Russia will prohibit Britain from fishing in the waters of the Barents Sea,’ said the report.
‘This is the first denounced international food agreement. The government has already approved the [ban].’
This means Russia could use warships to deter any UK trawlers (Picture: Getty)
For almost 70 years, even at the height of the Cold War, British vessels have been permitted to operate along the coast of the Kola Peninsula and to east of Cape Kanin Nos as well as around Kolguev Island and other islands.
Barents Sea’s fishing grounds are famous for the cod and haddock, which are then sold in the UK, making such a ban significant.
Speaking to Sky News, the president of the UK’s National Federation of Fish Friers Andrew Cook said Russia’s exit from the deal would exacerbate the impact of their illegal war in Ukraine.
He said: ‘For the last two years we’ve experienced really high prices on fish, which we’re still paying the price for.
‘Any business that had savings that’s all been eroded because we’ve been paying a lot for fish – and potatoes.’
But Mr Cook admitted that it might not have such a huge impact on UK chippies as more fish comes from Norwegian waters nearby.
He added: ‘But it is weaponising food which is not a good thing for the world.’
