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Political reporter Sam Francis has reported that Downing Street has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation of small boats in the English Channel, particularly ahead of an upcoming UK-France summit focused on border security. During a meeting at the G7 summit in Canada, Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to collaborate closely to address the issue of crossings. Both leaders highlighted the importance of migration as a central topic of discussion during Macron’s state visit from 8 July to 10 July, based on information provided by a No 10 spokesperson. Official data reveals that over 1,500 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats last week, bringing the total for the year to just over 16,000 – an increase of 42% compared to the same period last year.
It was further mentioned by the spokesperson that the leaders agreed to pursue ambitious outcomes that benefit both the British and French people, with a particular emphasis on the escalating Channel situation. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized Sir Keir’s handling of the crisis, describing it as spiraling out of control, with gangs taking advantage while more boats keep arriving. Philp characterized Labour’s response as weak and embarrassing, highlighting the formation of yet another task force and summit as insufficient measures. Offsetting concerns, ministers have been advocating for the adoption of new regulations by the French government to facilitate boat interceptions. In a deal struck in 2023, the previous Conservative administration allocated nearly £500m to France over three years to support additional officers in preventing migrant journeys.
According to official figures, French authorities have intercepted less than 58% of reported boat crossings so far this year. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper previously mentioned that France was reviewing its policies to enhance monitoring of small boats, with recent incidents showcasing a more forceful approach by French law enforcement. Reports from PA Media detailed French officers employing tear gas and batons to disperse migrants attempting to board dinghies near Gravelines, near Calais. The chaotic scenes captured individuals scrambling through clouds of smoke towards awaiting small boats, with over 50 migrants successfully boarding a black dinghy before setting off into the Channel, as per PA’s account.
Since taking office in July 2024, Labour has prioritized cracking down on criminal boat gangs facilitating illegal immigration to Britain, alongside restoring order to the asylum system. Shortly after assuming power, Labour nullified the Conservative government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, reallocating resources to bolster border security initiatives. However, the number of Channel crossings has surged to 40,000 since Labour’s incumbency, marking a 21% escalation compared to the same period the previous year. During this timeframe, authorities intercepted 940 boats, preventing nearly 28,000 migrants from reaching the UK. The government attributed this increase to favorable weather conditions and the eagerness of people smugglers to overcrowd small boats, which has prompted criticisms from the Conservative Party for allegedly scapegoating weather conditions for the rise in migration numbers
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