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A new agreement between the UK and France aims to curb the rising number of illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel. Under this £662 million deal, France will deploy specially trained riot police to its beaches to address issues related to crowd control and violence as migrants attempt the perilous journey to the UK. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to formalize the three-year contract, which includes the commitment of at least 50 officers skilled in riot tactics.
The initiative also brings advanced surveillance technology and increased resources to the French side. This includes the use of drones valued in the millions, two new helicopters, and an enhanced camera system designed to locate and stop people smugglers and those attempting unauthorized crossings. For the first time, the UK government has introduced a conditional clause allowing the reallocation or withdrawal of around £100 million in funding if French authorities fail to sufficiently reduce the number of migrants making the journey within the first year.
Mahmood emphasized the partnership’s achievements and future goals ahead of the agreement, stating, “Our work with the French has stopped tens of thousands of illegal migrants boarding boats headed to Britain. But we must do more. This landmark deal will stop illegal migrants making the perilous journey and put people smugglers behind bars.” The deal follows concerns over increasing Channel crossings, which saw 41,472 individuals arrive by small boat in 2025, sparking widespread criticism that French enforcement efforts were weakening.
Criticism has come from various political quarters in the UK, where some voices have called for a tougher stance, including withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights to help stem the flow of migrants. Conversely, French officials maintain that they are actively intercepting boats at sea before migrants embark on their crossings. Since the previous £476 million pact signed in 2023, enforcement efforts have increased, with about 700 officers patrolling French beaches. The new deal will raise this number to nearly 1,100 personnel, including law enforcement, intelligence, and military staff. Additional resources such as a new French vessel and more maritime officers will focus on disrupting smuggling operations, with a total of £501 million allocated for enhanced enforcement, plus potential extra funding if the measures prove successful
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