French Minister of the Sea, Annick Girardin, claimed that the French government sent key details of the license to the British government a few weeks ago. It comes as fishermen from Hauts-de-France, Brenton and Brittany have yet to obtain a license to fish in the UK’s 6 to 12 mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

But the British government said the information had only been received this week, with officials accusing France and the EU of being “misleading.”

A Defra spokesperson added: “We only received new evidence from France through the European Commission yesterday to support fishing vessel license applications.”

It is understood that the authorities are increasingly concerned about the approach adopted by France in granting licenses to ships.

A source from Whitehall added: “We are trying to work constructively with France and the European Union, but they seem to be sending misleading messages.

“Cooperative and honest work will yield results. “

In Britain, the UK Single Issuing Authority (SIA) was created to issue licenses to UK and non-UK vessels allowing access to UK waters for fishing.

The row arose as Guernsey’s heads of government called on the island to have its own power supply after France threatened to cut off power to Jersey’s neighbors if they continued with the implementation of a new licensing regime which is required under the UK’s trade and cooperation agreement with the EU.

Negotiations are underway between Jersey and France to resolve the issue of licensing implementation, with provisional arrangements in place until September 30.

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The Maison de la Normandie et de la Manche in St Helier closed its doors on May 3 before a demonstration by French fishermen on May 6.

But Paris officials said the reopening was a “positive gesture” aimed at “restoring a relationship of trust”.

However, they added “there is no question of letting your guard down”.