UK and France Agree £662m Deal to Deploy Riot-Trained Police Against Channel Crossings
The UK and France have agreed a new £662 million deal aimed at stopping illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel, with riot-trained French police set to be deployed to beaches.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to sign the three-year agreement, which will see at least 50 French police officers trained in “riot and crowd control tactics” sent to tackle violence and manage hostile situations involving migrant landings.
The deal also includes the deployment of drones, two helicopters, and advanced camera systems by French authorities to track and intercept people smugglers and irregular migration routes.
For the first time, the agreement includes a financial safeguard, allowing the UK to redirect or withdraw around £100 million in funding after one year if crossing numbers are not significantly reduced. However, the specific performance targets France must meet have not been disclosed.
Speaking ahead of the signing, Mahmood said the UK-France partnership has already stopped tens of thousands of attempted crossings but insisted that more action is needed to dismantle smuggling networks and reduce dangerous journeys.
Opposition parties criticised the deal, with the Conservatives arguing it provides “half a billion pounds with no conditions,” while Reform UK called it a “failed system” being further funded.
Crossings in the English Channel have risen in recent years, with over 41,000 people arriving in 2025 alone. More than 6,000 arrivals have already been recorded in early 2026, intensifying political pressure on both governments.
France currently deploys hundreds of officers along its northern coastline, but critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent. French authorities say their priority is preventing departures at sea, though interventions are limited due to safety risks involving overcrowded boats.
The new agreement expands enforcement to nearly 1,100 personnel, including police, intelligence, and military officers, alongside additional maritime resources and a new vessel to target smuggling operations.
While the UK government claims nearly 60,000 removals and deportations since taking office, critics and humanitarian groups argue the focus should instead be on safe migration routes and long-term cooperation with France.
Experts have warned that increased enforcement alone may not deter crossings due to safety concerns and the willingness of smugglers to adapt operations.
