UK set to take inflexible line over Brexit fishing row in next talks

Brexit minister David Frost will defend current position despite hopes a more positive dynamic is emerging

The British government has downplayed hopes of a breakthrough in a row with France over post-Brexit fishing licences, despite European perceptions of a constructive" spirit and positive dynamic".

The French transport minister, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, said he had spoken to his UK counterpart on Tuesday evening. The spirit is a constructive one," he said, noting that French fishers had been granted 49 more licences on Monday.