France triggers no-deal Brexit contingency plan

Edouard Philippe, the French PM said a no deal Brexit was “less and less likely”.

Nevertheless, the Elysee will spend €50m on investments in France's ports and airports, which it believes would be the most affected areas by a potential hard divorce.

According to the PM, five decrees will be issued "within the next three weeks" covering the points at risk.

"In some ports that will be the construction of car parks, in others it will be the establishment of infrastructure for carrying out checks," said Mr Philippe.

Under the plan, 580 extra government employees, including vets and customs agents, will be hired to manage trade and security at the border.

The French Senate is also expected to approve a bill on Thursday that woul allow the government to take emergency measures by decree following Brexit should the UK leave without a deal.

"We want to be ready to protect the interests of our citizens," the PM said.

"Our objective is at the same time to respect our obligations, to make sure that the lives of our citizens and, in a way, British citizens living in France, are impacted as little as possible."