Straw denies deal with France over refugee camp

Talks about the future of the controversial Sangatte refugee camp are continuing with the French Government, British Foreign …

Talks about the future of the controversial Sangatte refugee camp are continuing with the French Government, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today.

But he rejected reports of a deal being struck to close the camp with Britain agreeing to take in the asylum seekers already there.

A French newspaper suggested yesterday that the Red Cross camp would be shut and 1,300 refugees sent to Britain.

But French government spokesman Mr Jean-Francois Cope said no decision had been taken about Sangatte but indicated Paris would make an announcement soon.

READ MORE

The camp in northern France has been a source of huge tension between London and Paris, with the British government and railway executives accusing France of inadequate policing of their side of the Channel Tunnel.

PA