Fish on the menu as Brexit talks flounder in Brussels

Boris Johnson given scallops and turbot by the Commission as fishing rights remain a sticking point

Fishermen carry a box of scallops on-board a trawler off the French coast on 1 October, 2018. (REUTERS)

Boris Johnson was served a fish-heavy dinner in Brussels on Wednesday during Brexit talks that failed to break the protracted deadlock, as fishing rights continue to be of the stumbling blocks to a potential agreement. 

In what could be construed as jibe, jest or just coincidence, the prime minister was presented with a starter of scallops - for the second time in as many years - and a main course of steamed turbot at the Berlaymont building in the Belgian capital. 

The choice of scallops could have invoked memories about the “scallop war" between the British and French fishing fleets over the Baie de Seine fishing grounds in 2018.  

Mr Johnson was in Brussels to discuss a post-Brexit free trade deal with European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen, with both leaders and their negotiators sharing a three-course working meal. 

However, the fish-themed menu did not seem to have the desired effect, as hopes of an impasse floundered and Mr Johnson left without securing any concessions from the EU. 

While Ms von der Leyen said the two sides’ positions remained “far apart” and negotiations would continue this week, a Downing Street source admitted that it was unclear whether the “very large gap” could be bridged by further talks. 

The two leaders have agreed that “a firm decision should be taken about the future of the talks” by Sunday, according to the same unnamed official. 

A deal has so far remained elusive due to disagreements over issues including fishing rights and a level-playing field. 

As for the final course, Mr Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen ate pavlova - not too dissimilar from Eton mess, supposed invented by the prime minister’s alma mater - with exotic fruit and coconut sorbet. 

Additional reporting by PA