Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has launched a blistering attack on the French, accusing them of taking British fish while refusing to take back their own illegal immigrants. The former Cabinet minister described Labour's fishing rights deal with the European Union as a 'disgrace' that must be reversed. His comments came as he answered questions from Express readers on the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum.
Rees-Mogg: 'We Cannot Kowtow to the French'
Responding to a question from reader 'shavers68', who asked why Britain continues to 'roll over to the French and sell out our fishermen', Sir Jacob said: 'We cannot carry on kowtowing to the French. They take our fish and they don't take back their own illegal immigrants. This is a deeply unsatisfactory state of affairs and it must be changed and it can be changed if we're bold and forthright.'
The deal, negotiated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer last year, allows EU trawlers access to UK waters until at least 2038 – more than 20 years after the 2016 vote to leave the EU. Sir Jacob, who was a leading figure in the Leave campaign and served as business secretary under Boris Johnson, condemned the agreement as a betrayal of the Brexit promise.
Labour's Surrender Under Fire
Sir Keir, who backed Remain and later campaigned for a second referendum, has faced widespread anger from Brexit supporters over the fishing rights deal. Sir Jacob also tackled questions on why Brexit has not been fully implemented, the advantages of being outside the EU, and Labour's approach to Europe. He urged the government to be 'bold and forthright' in changing the current arrangement.
In the video, published on the Express website, Sir Jacob addressed multiple issues raised by readers, reflecting on the decade since the historic vote on June 23, 2016. He remains one of the most prominent Conservative voices advocating for a complete break from EU control.
Anniversary Reflections
The interview marks the 10-year anniversary of the referendum, which saw 52% of UK voters choose to leave the EU. Sir Jacob's comments highlight ongoing tensions over post-Brexit arrangements, particularly in fisheries, a key battleground during the negotiations. The deal with France has been a particular sore point, with critics arguing it undermines British sovereignty.
Sir Jacob's remarks come amid broader debates about immigration and border control, as the government faces pressure to address illegal Channel crossings. His assertion that France is not cooperating on returns adds to the friction between the two nations.
