UK, France Seal USD893M Deal to Curb Surge in Small Boat Crossings
Under the three-year accord, riot-trained police will be deployed to French beaches, with at least 50 officers — schooled in "riot and crowd control tactics" — mobilized to confront violence and "hostile crowds." France will additionally deploy millions of pounds worth of drones, two helicopters, and an advanced camera surveillance system targeting people-smuggling networks and unauthorized crossings.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is scheduled to formalize the agreement with France on Thursday. Ahead of the signing, Mahmood acknowledged the progress made through existing bilateral cooperation, while stressing the urgency for stronger action.
"But we must do more. This landmark deal will stop illegal migrants making the perilous journey and put people smugglers behind bars," she was quoted by media as saying.
The agreement arrives against a backdrop of escalating crossing numbers. More than 600 people reached Britain via small boats in a single day last Saturday alone — the highest daily figure recorded this year — while overall crossings have already surpassed 6,000 in 2026 despite tightened UK government measures.
The scale of the challenge is underscored by last year's figures: a total of 41,472 migrants made the Channel crossing in small boats — nearly 5,000 more than in 2024 — marking a year of sharply elevated irregular migration levels for the UK.
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