UK and France in 'final stage' of deal to tackle Channel migrant crisis

Downing Street said a deal was getting closer after talks between Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron - as the number of people at the airfield from Manston fell to 1,600

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Britain and France were closing in on an agreement tonight to tackle the migrant crisis in the English Channel.

Rishi Sunak's spokesperson revealed that negotiations are in their "final stage", following the Prime Minister's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Egypt.

Mr. Sunak said, "I leave with renewed confidence and optimism that by working with our European partners, we can make a difference, meet the challenge of illegal migration and prevent people from entering illegally."

The duo spoke on the sidelines of the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Separate talks on the details of a pact to ease the migrant crisis were taking place between the Interior Ministry and French officials.

A view of people believed to be migrants inside Manston Short Term Detention Center in Kent (

Picture:

PENNSYLVANIA)

The Prime Minister's spokesperson said: 'An agreement is being discussed and I believe it is in its final stages.

The crisis, which has seen nearly 40,000 migrants crossing the Strait of Dover this year in small boats, has mounted pressure on embattled Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick told MPs today that he wants to end the use of hotels to house migrants.

The taxpayer bill is expected to reach over £2 billion.