For those assuming that a Brexit deal is done bar the shouting...cast your eye away from London and Brussels, and take a look at Boulogne.

The French Prime Minister was there today, as well as no fewer than five ministers. This was a heavyweight visit, simply to go and show that fishing industry that they haven't been forgotten /2

Macron has already said he won't sell his fishermen short. He's made it clear that he won't accept a deal that hugely cuts access to British waters. /3

"But fishing is economically trivial," you will respond. But for Macron - this is about politics.
The north-west of France, where many of the fishermen are based, was once a stronghold of the Front National. /4

The FN has now been reborn as the Rassemblement National, and it's waiting to cash in on any resurgent discontent. History suggests that France's fishermen can cause big political ripples when they're unhappy. /5

Hence the assurances of support, and the political visit today. France sees a disproportionate value in fishing as much as the British government. Which leads us to the big question.../6

Would Macron unilaterally veto a Brexit deal rather than upset his fishermen? It would, of course, depend on the details.
But the answer *might* be yes.