The former Brexit negotiator’s bombshell would even bar Britons moving to the bloc to allow Brussels time to evaluate its treasured freedom of movement. The Frenchman said lessons must be learned after a failed asylum seeker murdered a Catholic priest sheltering him. Mr Barnier insisted European immigration policy “does not work” and time should be taken to review the rules.

The 70-year-old, who is preparing to be a centre-right challenger to Emmanuel Macron in next year’s presidential election, said: “I think we have to take the time for three or five years to suspend immigration.”

He added: “Overall, immigration policy does not work in Europe as it does not work in France. That’s why I’m making this moratorium proposal.

“I try to be honest and address issues that are extremely serious. Let’s take the time to reconsider procedures that are not working. Let’s see why we still have people who committed crimes.

“I’m obviously thinking of Father Olivier Maire, who was assassinated two days ago, and I don’t want to use this dramatic case, but we have to learn a lesson from it.”

Mr Barnier has previously warned that voters are “angry” about new arrivals on the Continent.

France has become a prime destination for asylum seekers because of its border with Britain.

A record number of migrants are arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats.

More than 10,050 migrants have crossed in small boats this year.

The figure has already surpassed 2020’s annual record of 8,420.

Home Secretary Priti Patel is currently attempting to sign bilateral deals with individual EU member states but has been rejected by European capitals.

EU governments claim they are not allowed to negotiate separately from the bloc.

The Border Force is braced for 22,000 people to cross the Channel in small boats this year with thousands more expected to be smuggled across in lorries.

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Of the pact, Ms Patel said: “The British people have simply had enough of illegal migration and the exploitation of migrants by criminal gangs.

“Illegal immigration is driven by serious organised criminals and people smugglers.

“The public are rightly angry that small boats are arriving on our shores, facilitated by appalling criminal gangs who profit from human misery and put lives at risk.”

Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.