Cleverly restates opposition to Essex immigration centre before Paris talks

Foreign secretary says former RAF base in Essex constituency is unsuitable as he enters Paris talks about stopping Channel boats

James Cleverly has defended his opposition to a new immigration detention centre in his own constituency, even as he urges his French counterparts to do more to solve the small boats issue.

The foreign secretary insisted that a former RAF base in his Essex constituency of Braintree would not be suitable for 1,500 male asylum seekers, despite the site having been shortlisted by the Home Office as potential accommodation.