Security and culture at heart of new detente with France

result in savings for Britain. In response to French claims that Mrs May agreed to take in more unaccompanied child migrants, Government sources said the overall number allowed in under the so-called “Dubs amendment” would remain at 480, but more might now come from France rather than countries such as Greece and Italy.

Since 2014, Britain has given around £140million to France for infrastructure at its Channel ports. However, the Home Office said extra border security since 2015 had reduced the number of recorded attempts by illegal migrants to enter the UK from 80,000 to just over 30,000 per year.

Charlie Elphicke, the MP for Dover, said: “It’s not right to hand over yet more money to France. It’s now nearly €200million... and it’s too much.”

Mr Macron will go for a private lunch with Mrs May at a gastro-pub in her Maidenhead constituency before moving on to Sandhurst where the president will be given a guard of honour.

They will later attend a reception at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Mrs May will also agree to military assistance for French counter-terrorism efforts in Mali, including three Chinook helicopters and crew. The heads of the intelligence services will discuss stamping out “safe spaces” in Africa where jihadists can plan attacks.

Mrs May’s charm offensive ahead of fresh Brexit talks will also include cultural exchanges, including 10 new towns to be twinned with French counterparts, an increase in student exchange schemes and a promise of more French being taught in British schools.

Mr Macron will also formally agree to the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain in around five years’ time, subject to curators agreeing that it can be safely transported. Britain is prepared to loan France one of its own cultural treasures, possibly the British Museum’s Rosetta Stone.