A British trawler Cornelis Gert Jan is seen moored in the port of Le Havre after France seized on Thursday a British trawler fishing in its territorial waters without a licence, in Le Havre, France, October 28, 2021. (Photo: REUTERS)

The UK’s scallop dredger, was escorted to the northern port of Le Havre overnight after its crew failed to prove it was allowed to fish in French territorial waters, the French Seas Minister said.

The action signalled France's determination not to back down in the row, a day after listing potential sanctions against Britain if there is no progress in talks. They include extra customs checks on British goods from next week and what was widely seen in London as a threat to cut electricity exports to Britain if talks fail.

Britain's foreign minister, Liz Truss, responded by ordering France's ambassador to London to explain on Friday the "disappointing and disproportionate threats made against the UK and Channel Islands." 

British fishing grounds are among the richest in the North East Atlantic where most of the European Union's catch is hauled in.

France's actions appear to be a warning shot to put pressure on Britain to compromise at talks with the EU.