London (CNN) Two British offshore patrol vessels will be sent to the island of Jersey "as a precautionary measure" amid an escalating row over fisheries with France, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Wednesday. The decision was the result of a discussion between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and local officials about "the prospect of a blockade" of Jersey capital Saint Helier, the statement read. French local authorities also shut down their representation in the island's capital Saint Helier on Monday. The self-governing island of Jersey is one of the Channel Islands, sitting just 14 miles off the French coast. While not technically part of the United Kingdom, the islands are crown dependencies, defended and internationally represented by the UK government.

Source: CNN May 05, 2021 02:26 UTC