French becoming more effective in stopping small boat crossings, UK says
Summary
French police have improved their efforts to stop small boats carrying migrants from reaching the UK via the English Channel. Since a UK-France deal three months ago, French authorities have intercepted more boats and migrants, contributing to a drop in Channel crossings compared to last year.Key Facts
- French police intercepted 185 potential migrant crossings involving around 4,300 people over four weeks this summer.
- They have stopped 12 boats at sea with new undisclosed techniques.
- Channel crossings are down by about 40% compared to the previous year.
- A UK-France border security deal signed in April includes £501 million over three years for operations in northern France and £161 million for new methods.
- Previously, French authorities often let dinghies continue toward the UK to avoid risks in deep water.
- In one notable incident in late July, 165 migrants arrived in the UK on a single large boat.
- About 14,819 people crossed by small boats from January to early August 2026, a 43% decrease from the previous year.
- Nearly all small boat arrivals claim asylum, which lets them stay in the UK while their applications are processed.
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