The France Small Boat Policing Review has become a political flashpoint after a record 1,100 migrants crossed the English Channel in one day. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament the French government is re-evaluating its coastal enforcement strategy.
This review comes amid growing pressure on both governments to reduce small boat crossings. Cooper said France’s cabinet had agreed their rules need tightening. The review includes new operational tactics, particularly addressing a legal loophole exploited by criminal gangs.
Moreover, the loophole prevents French police from stopping migrants once they enter shallow water. As a result, people now wait in the surf to board incoming dinghies. Cooper stated she was pushing for a speedy completion of the France Small Boat Policing Review and application of reforms urgently.
She said: “I’ve been in contact with the French interior minister, who supports stronger action. Discussions will continue this week.” She urged swift implementation of tactical changes to prevent the dangers associated with crossings.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp attacked the government’s approach. He said French officers were “standing and watching” as boats departed. He called for tougher negotiations with France and demanded real enforcement on the beaches, highlighting the need for a more stringent review from France on small boat policing.
Philp also suggested suspending a recent UK-EU fishing agreement. He claimed France should not enjoy continued access to British waters if they fail to block migrant launches, putting the spotlight on the policing review by France involving small boats.
“Their police aren’t smashing gangs they’re smashing records,” Philp added, highlighting the unprecedented number of crossings.
In response, Cooper defended her efforts and criticized Philp’s past record. She reminded MPs that Philp served as immigration minister during a period when legal migration tripled and small boat arrivals soared.
She said: “We’ve signed a new deal with France. We’re now pushing to operationalize it quickly. We won’t take lessons from someone who failed to deliver progress on this issue and neglected the France Small Boat Policing Review.”
The France Small Boat Policing Review remains a key point of cooperation between London and Paris. However, political divisions in the UK are intensifying as pressure mounts to curb illegal Channel crossings.
Until France implements its promised legal reforms, small boat departures are expected to remain high. The UK continues to call for immediate action to prevent further tragedies and reduce migrant smuggling networks.
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