Agencies managing ports and airports connecting France to the UK will "launch without delay the necessary works to make border controls operational on 30 March," French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced this Thursday.

This includes temporary buildings and parking areas representing a €50m investment.

Emergency legislation is also being prepared to maintain traffic through the Channel tunnel

The French government is also launching the recruitment and training of 580 customs and veterinary officers to be deployed to the "most-affected regions" including ports along France's north-western coast.

Emergency legislation is also being prepared to maintain traffic through the Channel tunnel and offer temporary residency arrangements to British citizens in France.

French ports and the tunnel handle traffic to and from the UK as well as much of the agri-food and other trade between Ireland and mainland Europe, whether through direct shipping route or via the so-called UK landbridge with lorries transiting through Britain.