French FM Blasts UK Stance In Comments Intended For Home & London

French Foreign Minister Yves Le Drian states that the UK's overtures are insufficient with regards to a Brexit agreement, in comments that are likely to be targeted at a domestic political audience as much as the British gov't.

• Le Drian says that fisheries are not an 'adjustment variable' in the talks, and that the UK must come out if its 'tactical postures and respect its commitments'. The protection of the French fishing industry, and its ability to fish in UK waters, is an important domestic political topic in France in a similar way to the UK insofar as it does not contribute a significant amount to GDP but plays an outsized role in the public's conciousness.
• Le Drian says he hopes that a compromise can be reached by the Dec 10-11 European Council summit.
• The French gov't is set to face some of the most intense domestic political pressure not to be seen 'giving in' to the UK in Brexit talks, and, with President Macron taking a hardline stance in negotiations, has often played the 'bad cop' to German Chancellor Angela Merkel's 'good cop', who is seen as more ready to allow EU concessions to avoid the UK leaving the transition period without a deal.