Ministers urged to show backbone after 'scallop wars' talks break down

Shadow environment secretary says ministers are not standing up for British fishing industry

Ministers have been urged to show some backbone in protecting the British fishing industry after talks to end the so-called scallop wars with French vessels in the Channel broke down.

Sue Hayman, the shadow environment secretary, accused the government of "failing to find a voice" in discussions about compensation for British boats that are prevented from harvesting in a disputed territory during a period when the French are banned under domestic law.