French police stop fewer small boats despite ‘one-in, one-out’ deal
French authorities have reportedly reduced their interception of small boats attempting to cross the Channel since the implementation of a new agreement designed to address the issue, reports BritPanorama.
Since August, only about a quarter of small boat crossings have been halted by French officers, compared to a pre-deal statistic of 38%. Data indicates that less than 29% of boats have been blocked since the arrangement was enacted between Sir Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron.
In the 13 weeks prior to the agreement, 8,521 crossings were stopped, but this number plummeted to 4,634 in the following period, highlighting a concerning trend in enforcement effectiveness.
The deal stipulated that French police would implement new tactics, intervening up to 300 meters into the Channel to prevent vessels from departing. However, concerns have arisen that these methods may jeopardize the safety of migrants caught at sea.
The situation has been exacerbated by people smugglers using social media to advertise their services, showcasing videos of French authorities’ unsuccessful attempts to intercept boats.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed frustration, labeling the current efforts as “pathetic.” He remarked, “Preventing only a quarter of embarkation is pathetic. No wonder migrants are using videos of French police standing around to illustrate how easy it is to cross.”
Recent data reveals that across a four-day span, 2,121 migrants successfully crossed the Channel, intensifying calls for more decisive action from both UK and French officials. In contrast, only 94 migrants have been removed under the treaty since its inception.
A spokesman from the Home Office conveyed their discontent, affirming, “We are furious at the level of illegal migrants entering the country on small boats.” They stressed the commitment to partnering with French authorities to enhance border security and operations.
This is particularly relevant given the backdrop of another migrant deported under the scheme returning to the UK shortly after crossing back on Remembrance Sunday, reflecting apparent loopholes in the current enforcement strategies.
As the flow of crossings continues to challenge border security, the effectiveness of the ‘one-in, one-out’ arrangement remains a focal point of discussion between UK and French authorities.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the rising number of illegal crossings, prompting an ongoing reassessment of the strategies employed to address this complex humanitarian issue.
The broader implications of these developments extend beyond national borders, invoking crucial questions about the efficacy of international agreements in managing migration challenges.
