UK to build wall to stop Channel migrants

Britain says construction will begin soon on a 4-metre high wall to stop migrants reaching the country from Calais.

British officials say a 4 metre high wall will be built to deter migrants trying to reach Britain from the northern French port of Calais.

Home Office Minister Robert Goodwill says the kilometre-long barrier is part of a 17 million pound ($A30 million) package of security measures agreed to by Britain and France. He says construction will begin "very soon.''

Thousands of people from the Middle East and Africa have travelled to Calais, hoping to reach Britain by stowing away on trucks and trains through the Channel Tunnel.