UK taxpayers face extra costs as France plans Channel small boat interceptions

French government braces for legal challenges to new tactics, involving extra police, boats and drones

British taxpayers will be expected to contribute more money to stop irregular migration as the French government prepares to halt small boats carrying asylum seekers even if they are already at sea.

It is understood there will be extra costs associated with the scheme to tackle boats within 300 metres of the shore - including paying for police, boats and drones - which the UK will be asked to share with France.