UK minister downplays tensions with France over Channel crossings crisis

Damian Hinds says PM's letter to Emmanuel Macron was exceptionally supportive' and partnership is strong'

A Home Office minister has downplayed the diplomatic row between France and the UK over the refugee crisis in the Channel, insisting it was time to draw up new creative solutions".

The British prime minister, Boris Johnson, and the French president, Emmanuel Macron, clashed earlier this week over how to deal with people attempting to cross the Channel in small boats as they flee war, poverty and persecution.