Key facts
- French police clashed with individuals on a beach in northern France as they attempted to launch a dinghy.
- During the confrontation, police used Pava spray and slashed the inflatable boat.
- The French government claims to have prevented 185 small boat crossing events since a new UK-France deal was signed.
- Charities have raised concerns that increased police activity is endangering asylum seekers.
- The number of successful Channel crossings has decreased by 43% compared to the same period last year.
Footage has emerged showing French police officers confronting individuals on a beach in northern France as authorities intervened to stop a dinghy from reaching the UK. The video captures men in lifejackets appearing to throw objects at the police to deter them from approaching their vessel. In response, officers deployed Pava spray and subsequently slashed the inflatable boat with a knife.
This incident occurs as the French government reports preventing 185 "small boat crossing events" in the three months following a new £660 million UK-France agreement. A "small boat event" is defined as stopping launches, seizing equipment, and arresting smugglers. Since the deal's signing in April, enhanced police presence, including a 50-person riot squad, has been observed on French beaches, conducting interceptions on land and at sea.
Authorities have also focused on intercepting "taxi boats" and seizing vessels and engines before they can be used. Smuggling operations have reportedly adapted by loading more individuals onto single boats, with one instance earlier this month seeing a record 230 people travel in one dinghy. Ministers emphasize a decline in successful crossings.
However, charities like Utopia 56 have voiced concerns that the intensified police activity is escalating risks for asylum seekers. The organization reported witnessing police firing CS gas canisters near migrants attempting to reach a boat. Despite these concerns, the UK Home Office maintains that the UK-France deal is effectively disrupting criminal operations and reducing crossings. Shabana Mahmood, the UK Home Secretary, stated that over 47,000 small boat crossing attempts have been stopped through joint efforts with France. Charlie Eastaugh of Border Security Command highlighted the strengthened partnership with France and the difficult conditions French officers face in preventing dangerous crossings and saving lives.