French politician calls for increased UK funding for border controls
A French politician overseeing the Calais region has urged British taxpayers to provide additional financial support to tackle the ongoing migrant crisis in the area, reports BritPanorama.
Xavier Bertrand, the regional president of Hauts-de-France, has characterised the UK as a “permanent attraction for migrants.” He contends that financial backing is crucial for the enforcement of the 2003 Le Touquet deal, which permits UK Border Force officers to operate on French soil, as well as French officials in the UK.
Bertrand has drawn comparisons between the situation on the French coast and recent migration surges seen in Ceuta, where thousands attempted border crossings. He has attributed the existence of migrant camps and human traffickers in France to the UK’s migration policies and failure to adequately manage its borders.
He highlighted that France should have the authority to suspend the agreement if the UK does not meet obligations regarding deportations and dismantling criminal smuggling networks. This statement follows Britain’s recent commitment of £662 million to France aimed at mitigating illegal crossings.
Despite the significant funding from the UK, which exceeds £1 billion since 2023, French authorities reportedly intercept only one-third of migrant crossings. Bertrand has previously asserted that the British government shares responsibility for the current crisis due to its inadequate enforcement of immigration regulations.
He remarked in May: “The solution lies in forcing the hand of the English, who are responsible for the situation. Migrants, exploited by smugglers and criminals, do not want to settle in Hauts-de-France. Their goal is to reach England.” He noted that migrants seek opportunities in the UK, where they often find employment under dire conditions.
In response, the Home Office affirmed its commitment to collaborating with France and international partners to thwart illegal migration attempts, highlighting that the Le Touquet Treaty has enhanced cooperation between border authorities. They noted a record increase in arrests, convictions, and disruptions to smuggling operations, which rose by nearly 50% in the year ending March 2026.
In light of these discussions, the future of the Le Touquet Treaty and its implications for UK-French cooperation on immigration remain crucial in navigating the ongoing challenges of Channel crossings and their humanitarian impacts.
The ongoing dialogue reflects the complexities of international migration policy, as nations grapple with sovereignty, humanitarian responsibilities, and the efficacy of border control strategies. Key themes of accountability and international cooperation will likely dominate discussions moving forward.
