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French fishing vessels are heading away from the St Helier Harbour after talks with officials over a fishing dispute.

This morning a fleet of about 60 French and Jersey boats gathered to protest over post-Brexit fishing rights.

French fishermen say their rights in Jersey waters are being unfairly restricted by licenses issued by the island.

Jersey politicians spoke with French fishermen in St Helier Harbour to discuss their concerns.

The French fishing boats are now heading east away from the harbour.

We are finishing our live coverage, but you can keep up to date with the story here.

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A French fisherman says he is protesting because he cannot fish "normally" under new rules.

Romain Davodet said there were "too many" restrictions to fish in Jersey waters at the moment.

He told the BBC there were not enough fishing days or enough areas available to fish "normally".

This morning, he and dozens of French fishing vessels came to Jersey to protest.

Mr Davodet, who has fished in Jersey waters for 15 years, said he recognised it was "difficult" but was hopeful he would get a fishing license in the next few months.

The Prime Minister has reiterated his "unequivocal support" for Jersey amid the fishing dispute with French fishermen.

Speaking with island officials, Boris Johnson also confirmed the two Royal Navy ships currently in Jersey waters would remain to "monitor the situation as a precautionary measure”.

The Prime Minister spoke with Jersey's Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré, the Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham and the Minister of External Relations Ian Gorst on Thursday morning.

A Downing Street spokesperson said “They agreed to stay in touch as the situation develops.”

Jersey fishermen are "very angry" government officials have met French fishermen to negotiate the fishing dispute, the president of Jersey Fishermen's Association has said.

Don Thompson said the island's fishing community was frustrated "their own government considers it appropriate to go out and have negotiations on board a boat with a French fisherman".

He said the threats by a French minister to cut off the island's electricity had to be "taken very seriously".

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About 60 French and Jersey boats have been protesting in island waters over post-Brexit fishing rights.

"Jersey fishermen are standing united against this sort of threat and intimidation, that is very clear," added Mr Thompson.

He said a ship carrying food to the island was also trapped in the port because of the protest.

Representatives from Jersey's government and leaders within the French fishing industry are meeting this morning to "resolve" the fishing dispute.

Dozens of French fishing boats have gathered in Jersey waters in response to a row over post-Brexit fishing rights.

At 10:30 BST government officials including the assistant minister for the environment met French fishermen following a request for their concerns to be heard directly.

Deputy Gregory Guida alongside other island officials will be on the Norman Le Brocq Fisheries boat and French fishermen will be in the harbour with their boats alongside, abiding by coronavirus rules.

Minister for external relations, Senator Ian Gorst said they would be meeting French fishing leaders to "resolve the current dispute and resume previous good relations".

Emergency services are continuing to assess and monitor the situation.

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