New France-UK agreement to stop migrants in the English Channel

Following increased pressure from the UK, French police have agreed to stop small migrant boats at sea before they can make the crossing.

According to a document seen by the French Newspaper Le Monde, France has agreed that the maritime police will carry out planned operations to intercept boats before migrants board them. The newspaper reported that the pushback will initially take place at sea and later extend to internal French waters, including ports and canals.

This action follows reports that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, pressing him to act against small boats and promising significant funding support.

The letter, cited by French media, stated: “It is essential that we implement these tactics this month; we have no effective deterrent in the English Channel.”

However, the humanitarian organization Care4Calais, which supports migrants, has described this measure as dangerous, warning that it could put human lives at risk.

France has been under pressure from the UK to intercept small boats, as the Labour Party has increased efforts to prevent migrants from crossing the Channel.

Under the new agreement, the French maritime gendarmerie will attempt to track “taxi” boats waiting along the coast for migrants.

This approach represents a significant expansion, as French authorities previously avoided intervening before boats entered French waters. Now, police boats will actively attempt to stop small vessels, with a separate rescue ship assigned to the operation.

UK media report that the French maritime police are expected to use a range of measures to halt small boats.

Former UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said in April that the French had agreed to change their laws to allow boats to be stopped at sea. However, according to reports, these plans have faced difficulties amid political turmoil within the French government.