There are concerns about possible skirmishes between British and foreign fishing vessels if no trade deal is reached as existing rules that give a U boats access to British waters is set to expire at the end of the year.

A spokesman said that the M.

O.

D has conducted extensive planning and preparation to ensure that defense is ready for a range of scenarios.

At the end of the transition period, the navy vessels will have the power to stop, check and impound all au fishing boats operating within Britain's exclusive economic zone, which can extend 200 miles from shore.

The Guardian newspaper reported earlier that two vessels will be deployed at sea with two on stand by in case EU fishing boats into the zone.

A French minister said on Thursday that France would compensate its fishermen and take other measures to help them if talks on a trade deal collapse in an effort to avoid clashes.