French police prevent 185 small boat Channel crossings in three months
French police intercepted 185 small boats in the first three months of a new deal with the UK, figures released by Britain’s Home Office show. The action included stopping launches, seizing equipment, including boats, engines and lifejackets, and arresting people smugglers. The UK agreed to pay France £660 million ($891 million) under a three-year agreement signed in April to tackle people…
French authorities have intercepted 185 small boats in the English Channel over the past three months, as part of a new £660 million agreement with the UK. These operations involved stopping vessels, seizing equipment, and arresting alleged people smugglers. The deal, signed in April, involves payment based on results for the first time.
French police have been seen driving to intercept boats being prepared for launch, with some migrants responding with hostility as officers attempt to disperse them. The Home Office reported that 61% of all small boat events were prevented during this period, marking a 5% increase in prevention rate compared to the same time last year.
Despite this, smugglers have adapted by cramming more people onto each boat, with recent incidents involving up to 230 migrants on a single large vessel. In response, the UK has stopped over 47,000 crossing attempts since the Labour government took office in July 2024.
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