A Labour government led by Jeremy Corbyn is a greater threat to business than the gilets jaunes protesters in France, the country’s officials say

France is seeking to exploit corporate concerns at the prospect of a Labour government in the UK to lure businesses across the Channel.

Officials in Paris say that Jeremy Corbyn is seen by British-based chief executives as a greater threat to profits than the gilets jaunes (yellow vest) protesters. They are hopeful that with Theresa May’s government in turmoil, companies will conclude that the likelihood of a Labour victory in the next general election is growing, and that they will respond by shifting headquarters and research and development centres to France.

Ross McInnes, the Franco-Australian chairman of Safran, the aircraft engine maker, was asked by President Macron’s government to lead a mission to promote France to companies based in the UK last month. His aim