France says it will not be held hostage by British politics on migration

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin speaks during a meeting with Ministers in response to cross-Channel migration, in Calais, France, November 28, 2021. Francois Lo Presti/ Pool via REUTERS

CALAIS, France (Reuters) -France is ready for a serious discussion with Britain on issues relating to illegal migration, but will not be held hostage to London's domestic politics, the country's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said.

The two countries are already at loggerheads over post-Brexit trading rules and fishing rights and last week relations soured further after 27 people died trying to cross the Channel.