Transport secretary Grant Shapps has revealed a multimillion pound government package to protect shipping between Kent and Europe.

The government pledged today it will be safeguarding 26 freight routes from Britain to several countries in mainland Europe during the coronavirus crisis.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Mr Shapps said a trilateral agreement had been reached with France and Ireland to "commit our nations to keep freight routes open".

Operators running between Britain and France, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway and Sweden will be protected, the government annouced.

Mr Shapps said: "The continued operation of passenger and freight transport is critically important to our resilience as a country.

"So today I'm announcing a new package of measures to ensure transport boosts our response to Covid-19.

"We're announcing a far-reaching package to safeguard the flow of goods into and across our country."

This would bring in food, medical supplies and other essential goods, he said.

Operators have been under financial pressure due to falling demand.

Mr Shapps said the new agreement would help support the companies bringing in essential goods to support the national effort.

He said it was important to make sure the government keeps the routes open.

Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins described the move as !an important announcement" for the county.

He said: "Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover are vital to our national infrastructure, and we require both to be fully operational.

"This is important to supplying vital equipment and medicines for our NHS.

"This new government investment is also a welcome support for the large number of local jobs that are connected to both the Port and the Tunnel."

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