British and French officials are working "to unblock the flow of trade as fast as possible": Boris Johnson

Prime Minister Boris Johnson says British and French officials are working "to unblock the flow of trade as fast as possible" after France barred U.K. trucks over concerns about a new variant of the coronavirus.

There are kilometres-long lineups of trucks waiting to get out of Britain near the Port of Dover.

France has banned trucks from entering for 48 hours while a new strain of COVID-19 that is spreading in southeast England is assessed.

Dozens of countries have barred flights from the U.K. because of the new variant, which scientists believe is more easily transmitted.

Southern England, where the new strain is most widespread, has been placed under strict lockdown measures.

Canada is on a growing list of countries that have halted air travel from the UK.