Nigel Farage's Reform UK party and France's National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at deterring illegal migration across the English Channel. The agreement, announced at the Reform conference in Birmingham, outlines a commitment to return migrants who arrive in Britain via small boats back to their countries of origin.
Bardella, a prominent figure in French politics, stated that if the National Rally wins elections next year, his party will "do everything" to prevent France from being a "gateway for illegal migration into the UK." He emphasized that the English Channel should not serve as an immigration route to Britain and that migrants should be returned to their points of origin. "We must put an end to these deadly routes, we must break the smuggler business model and together we must take control of our borders," Bardella told the conference.
Farage described the pact as a "momentous agreement" that signals the seriousness of both parties in addressing illegal migrant crossings and securing borders. He suggested that the agreement could help stop the arrival of small boats within 100 days. Farage also announced his intention to declare a "national emergency" upon taking office, introducing a significant volume of legislation and potentially extending parliamentary sessions to pass bills rapidly.
The agreement comes as Farage seeks to re-establish momentum for his party, following recent controversies involving campaign donations. The pact signifies a formal cooperation between Reform UK and the National Rally on border security and migration policy.