French President Emmanuel Macron today told Britain he must be more serious or stay out of talks to crack down on the influx of migrants, fleeing war and poverty across the English Channel, transmits Frans24.

"I am surprised when things are not taken seriously, communication between leaders is not done through tweets or published letters, we are not whistleblowers," Macron told a joint news conference with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Macron said that the letter sent by the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in which he criticized the actions of Paris regarding the situation with illegal migrants, is not a serious way to solve things.

In a letter to President Macron, Johnson suggested five steps to avoid a repeat of Wednesday's tragedy, when 27 migrants drowned in the English Channel.

Among the proposed measures are the activation of joint patrols in order to prevent the departure of more ships from the French coast, as well as the application of the most advanced technology, such as sensors and radars.

Joint naval patrols in mutual territorial waters and air surveillance are also proposed, as well as greater co-operation between the joint intelligence services.

He also suggested negotiations for an agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU on the return of refugees.

The English Channel tragedy: 27 migrants drown, France and Britain blame each other