French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to work closely with the UK to curb small boat crossings across the English Channel, as both nations move towards finalising a new border enforcement deal during his state visit to London.
Macron, addressing both Houses of the UK Parliament, emphasized the need for a united response to irregular migration. He stressed that France and the UK share a responsibility to manage the issue with “humanity, solidarity and fairness,” while also confronting the criminal networks that exploit migrants.
The proposed agreement, which UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hopes to cement this week, includes new powers for French police to intervene in shallow waters and a “one in, one out” migrant returns deal. This arrangement would see Britain return individuals arriving by small boats to France in exchange for accepting asylum seekers with family ties in the UK.
Though operationally complex, the agreement marks a breakthrough. It would represent the first time France agrees to take back migrants who crossed the Channel. Sir Keir’s government believes that such a policy, implemented at scale, could deter future crossings.
A Downing Street spokesperson noted that months of negotiation are “bearing fruit,” with changes to French maritime tactics already being observed. Last week, BBC reporters witnessed French officers puncturing an inflatable vessel at sea—signaling a more proactive stance.
However, optimism is tempered by ongoing negotiations with the European Commission. Several Mediterranean nations have expressed concern over the potential pressure to accept deportees from the UK, threatening to stall the broader agreement.
Labour has taken a tougher stance on people smuggling, introducing legislation that could apply counter-terror measures to smugglers, including travel bans and communication restrictions.
Despite these efforts, the first half of 2025 has already recorded nearly 20,000 small boat arrivals in the UK—a 48% rise from 2024. Since 2018, Britain has pledged over £700 million to France for coastal patrol enhancements, including a £500 million deal under the previous Conservative administration.
While the Lib Dems welcomed the renewed cooperation, they called for greater ambition and a stronger UK role in Europol to address the scale of the crisis.
