French police in £660m deal with UK authorised to use water cannon on asylum seekers
Summary
French riot police working under a £660 million UK-France agreement have been authorized to use water cannons and other crowd control measures against asylum seekers trying to cross the Channel. The UK government has deployed these French units to stop illegal boat crossings ahead of summer, despite concerns from refugee groups about the use of such force.Key Facts
- The UK and France have a £660 million deal to fight illegal crossings of the English Channel.
- French riot police, including a 50-officer squad, are now stationed on French beaches to prevent asylum seekers from leaving.
- French officers can use water cannons, tear gas (CS gas), and batons to control crowds and stop migrants.
- Water cannons are not allowed in Great Britain but can be used in Northern Ireland and France.
- Refugee charities have criticized the use of water cannons as violent and inhumane.
- French riot police have a history of using water cannons and have been accused of brutality during past protests.
- The deployment was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the G7 summit.
- The UK is also increasing the number of officers on French beaches by 40% and building a detention center to manage the situation.
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