UK-France beach patrol deal to intercept small boats on verge of collapse

Negotiations deadlocked as No 10 wants more action by French officials but France has concerns over safety

The UK’s agreement with France to pay for beach patrols is on the verge of collapse amid wrangling over the number of small boat interceptions and the safety of asylum seekers in French waters.

Negotiations over plans to revamp the three-year, £480m deal remain deadlocked, despite the involvement of ministers including Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary. The deal expires at midnight on Tuesday.