French Efforts to Stop Small Boat Crossings Show Promise
The UK Home Office reports that French police tactics are becoming more effective in stopping small boats in the English Channel from reaching Britain
The UK Home Office has stated that French police tactics are becoming more effective in stopping small boats in the English Channel from reaching Britain. This is attributed to the French authorities intercepting 185 potential crossings involving 4,300 migrants over four separate weeks, as well as stopping 12 boats at sea using new techniques.
Background on Channel Crossings
The issue of small boat crossings in the English Channel has been a significant concern for the UK government. While Channel crossings are down about 40% compared to last year, thousands of illegal migrants are still getting through, with 250 arriving on Monday. In late July, a record 165 migrants reached the UK in a single boat.
The Home Office, citing French police figures, said that since it struck a deal with France three months ago, which included additional funding for authorities, 61% of small boats have been intercepted - a five per cent increase compared to last year. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the "UK-France deal is already having a real impact".
Techniques and Tactics
The techniques being used by the French authorities to stop small boats have not been disclosed by the UK or France. However, footage released by French police shows officers racing across a beach in jeeps to intercept a launch, and once the boat is abandoned, an officer slashes it lengthways with a knife. Migrants can be seen throwing objects at the officers, one of whom appears to respond with pepper spray.
Comparison of Interceptions
The following table compares the number of interceptions and migrants involved:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Potential crossings intercepted | 185 |
| Migrants involved in intercepted crossings | 4,300 |
| Boats stopped at sea | 12 |
| Migrants arriving in the UK on Monday | 250 |
| Record number of migrants in a single boat | 165 |
The UK government knows that if it can prevent migrant boats getting into British waters, where the Border Force is legally obliged to pick them up, the incentive to try to cross will be reduced. The concern is that smuggling gangs will continue to adapt, but changes to their methods demonstrate how hard they are finding it to operate. Stopping the trade in equipment for Channel crossings is the first layer of tactics being used by the UK and other countries, with dinghies, outboard engines, and life preservers being seized by police in Germany.
