France accuses Britain of ‘financial blackmail’ over Channel migrants

The diplomatic war of words across the Channel has escalated fast.

The French interior minister has accused the Home Secretary Priti Patel of plotting “financial blackmail” and breaching international maritime law, amid reports that the UK is planning new tactics to turn back some boats of migrants into French waters.

Number 10 has insisted any new plans will be safe and legal. But critics say countries are obliged to rescue people who may lose their lives at sea.