The UK and France have agreed on a £662 million, three-year plan to reduce illegal crossings in the English Channel. The deal, finalized by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, strengthens cooperation between the two countries to manage migration flows and improve border security. It underscores a shared effort to address ongoing challenges related to unauthorized arrivals, with both governments committing to coordinated action across maritime and coastal regions.
Under the agreement, at least 50 UK police officers trained in riot and crowd control will be stationed on French beaches. Their role is to help prevent violence and manage large groups that could pose security risks. France will also deploy significant resources, including drones, two helicopters, and an advanced camera system, to enhance monitoring and enforcement along its coastline. These measures aim to deter irregular crossings through improved surveillance and rapid response capabilities.