A union is calling for the government to protect Eurostar and ferry jobs after the French closed its borders to UK traffic overnight.

The RMT says thousands of workers have been caught "in the crossfire" of the closure, introduced following the emergence of a new strain of Covid-19 - thought to be behind the current rise in cases.

There is currently chaos on the M20 after the French introduced a 48-hour closure of its borders to all people - including lorry drivers - travelling from the UK.

RMT gen‎eral secretary Mick Cash said: "Thousands of workers on Eurostar, on the ferries and at our ports have been caught in the crossfire of the border crisis that has developed overnight and escalated this morning.

"RMT is calling for an urgent package of government support and protection for the staff and services impacted by the decision to suspend operations.

"We will be looking for emergency tripartite talks with the employers and Government ‎to ensure that the practical and financial underpinning required is made available without delay. "

Currently all Eurostar, Eurotunnel and cross-Channel passenger ferry routes are suspended.

MPs for Dover and Folkestone, Natalie Elphicke and Damian Collins have been asked to comment.

P&O Ferries said: "We continue to run a full ferry and logistics service into Britain from Calais to Dover; we shall continue to work closely with the authorities on both sides and stand ready to resume a full service in the opposite direction, between Dover and Calais, as soon as we are permitted to do so."

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