Downing Street has denied that the government is at loggerheads with the new French administration over the policing of the channel tunnel.

Speaking after it was revealed that a specialist Chunnel unit of the gendarmerie had been suspended in Calais, a spokesman said the British government was making its case to the French administration but denied that the country had stopped policing the tunnel altogether.

"We have urged the French authorities to increase policing levels," said Number 10. "They are not back yet - but we are pressing for them to go back. But what is not correct is to say that there is no policing presence."

Number 10 said the issue has been raised by Europe minister, Peter Hain, and transport minister, Stephen Byers.

The Home Office is also seeking an "urgent meeting at a senior level" to discuss the policing situation.

"My understanding is that there were always local police present at all times, but there were particular special police dealing with this issue and they were re-assigned," said a Downing Street spokesman.

"We want the issue resolved and we are going about getting it resolved."

Number 10 refused to comment on claims that senior British ministers had seen video footage of French police standing by as asylum seekers illegally boarded freight trains.

"I haven't seen the video so I am not going to comment," said the spokesman. "There is a particular problem that we asking the French to tackle."