But France - as well as campaigners and critics - have questioned the legality of the plan. They believe it breaks international maritime law, which says people at risk of losing their lives at sea must be rescued.
Since then, Ms Patel has warned that Britain could withhold the money, unless more boats are intercepted. The UK has a legal right to intercept people at sea where necessary to prevent crime or to protect borders. There are no international waters in the Dover Strait - so any operation would need French co-operation.
It now appears that the UK government is not deliberately preventing refugees from arriving.
Hot air, anyone?
So, then UK will have to 'rescue' them and bring them back to the closest shore, which could be France No problem Refugees RefugeesWelcome refugeesNOTwelcome Brexit
“Embrasse mon cul”, the French must be severely tempted to say!
Perhaps it's time to give the Benefit system a reality check since everyone else in the EU has... Despite being in the EU.
Choose your words carefully BBC. Some people are primed and ready to hate and they only need a simple ‘mistaken’ word to trigger them off.