Britain demands clarity on Sangatte

Britain today demanded a clear commitment from France to solve the crisis at the Sangatte refugee camp ahead of talks tonight between Tony Blair and President Jacques Chirac.

The Prime Minister is travelling to France for a "private dinner" with Mr Chirac, at which immigration is expected to be high on the agenda.

Today Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: "We are pleased about the constructive approaches which we have perceived from the new French government."

But he added Britain was looking for a firm commitment from the French to work to solve the immigration crisis - which centres on Sangatte.

"Europe is all in this together," Mr Straw told Radio 4's Today programme. On Friday, immigration will be the main item at a summit of EU leaders in Seville.

The Foreign Secretary said he did not expect tonight's dinner to produce a "settled text" on what to do about Sangatte, but added that it was an opportunity to move the discussions forward.

Reports from France suggest the new centre-Right government plans to shut down Sangatte, which currently houses 1,500 people, by the end of the year.