Brussels has reacted angrily to Britain's decision to ban sandeel fishing, and the two sides now appear poised for a major dispute.
Britain insists it is taking advantage of the hard-won ground Brexit freedoms to protect the environment and marine life from overfishing.
The European Unionclaims, however, that this move will have a profound impact on the fishing industry and endanger jobs.
Brussels has accused Britain of breaching the terms of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) signed afterwards Brexitand has led to a legal challenge.
Rishi SunakThe government announced a ban on catching sand eels on the Dogger Bank in the North Sea in January, to protect the area's populations of puffins and kittiwakes, which feed on the fish.
The move sparked outrage among Danish and Swedish fishermen, whose governments lobbied the Eurocrats to take action against Britain.
Now the EU has gone on the offensive in an attempt to force Britain into a humiliating U-turn.
Announcing legal action, EU Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius said the “permanent closure of the sandeel fishery in Britain deprives EU vessels of fishing opportunities”.
He argued that the ban “contradicts fundamental obligations under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.”
“Healthy sandeel stocks are critical not only to the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems, but also to the livelihoods of our fishermen,” he added.
Brexiteers reacted happily to the news, pointing out that Britain was simply taking swift action to protect its interests, which it could not have done when it was still a member of the EU.
Under EU rules, Britain would have had to enter lengthy negotiations under the Commons Fisheries Policy before a decision could be made – and would have faced outright hostility from other member states.
Britain and the EU have until May 16 to work out their differences, after which the Commission could refer the dispute to a resolution panel for adjudication.
If Britain is found violating the Brexit trade agreement and refuses to abide by the ruling, then Brussels can legally impose tariffs on British exports to the continent.
The RSPB slammed the EU for its 'outrageous' move, accusing Brussels of 'kicking the future of beautiful birds like our beloved puffins around like a political football'.
Katie-jo Luxton, the organisation's conservation director, said 62 per cent of the UK's seabird species are declining.
She said Politics: “While some EU countries appear determined to suck sand eels on an industrial scale to feed livestock, we believe they should restore marine ecosystems and feed baby Pufflings.”