Key facts
- French authorities intercepted 185 potential small boat crossings involving 4,300 migrants this summer.
- New techniques and increased funding from a UK-France deal are credited with improved interception rates.
- 61% of small boats have been intercepted since the deal was struck three months ago.
- The UK-France Border Security deal includes significant funding for operations in northern France.
- Concerns remain that smuggling gangs will continue to adapt their methods.
French police tactics are becoming more effective in stopping small boats from reaching Britain, according to the UK Home Office. The department cited French authorities for intercepting 185 potential crossings involving 4,300 migrants over four separate weeks this summer, and stopping 12 boats at sea using new techniques. Footage released by French police shows officers intercepting a boat on a beach and slashing it with a knife once abandoned.
The UK-France Border Security deal, struck three months ago, includes additional funding for French authorities. Since the deal, 61% of small boats have been intercepted, a five percent increase compared to last year. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the deal is having a real impact. Previously, French authorities were hesitant to intercept boats in deep water due to the risks involved.
While Channel crossings are down approximately 40% compared to last year, thousands of migrants have still arrived. Concerns remain that smuggling gangs will adapt their methods, with some resorting to using bigger boats due to restrictions on equipment. The UK government aims to reduce the incentive for crossing by preventing boats from entering British waters.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the current deterrents, arguing that the prospect of staying in the UK and claiming benefits encourages dangerous journeys. Reform UK proposed intercepting boats and returning migrants to French ports, a move the French interior ministry stated would violate French sovereignty.