Summary
Two migrants died while trying to cross the English Channel, and six others were rescued near Calais. This incident happened amid ongoing talks between the UK and France to extend a deal aimed at preventing small boat crossings.
Key Facts
- Two migrants died during an attempted Channel crossing near Calais.
- Six migrants were rescued; one required urgent medical care.
- The boat was spotted at Gravelines with 30 migrants waiting to board.
- UK and France are in talks to renew a deal to stop Channel crossings.
- The deal involves £476 million funding for extra police patrols.
- Under the current deal, nearly 700 officers patrol French beaches.
- In 2025, 41,472 people arrived in the UK by small boat.
- In early 2026, 4,441 people crossed the Channel, a 33% decrease from the same period in 2025.
