France trying to stop people crossing the Channel, Calais MP says

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought into Dove by Border Force officers (Gareth Fuller/PA)

France is trying to stop people crossing the Channel in dangerous small boat crossings because it is trying to “save lives”, a Calais MP has said.

French National Assembly member Pierre-Henri Dumont denied claims that its coastguard is pushing asylum seekers out to the British coast on purpose.