Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to press French President Emmanuel Macron for enhanced assistance in deterring illegal crossings of the English Channel. The two leaders are scheduled to meet in Downing Street on Thursday, where Burnham intends to advocate for intensified French efforts to intercept migrants, particularly those utilizing large inflatable boats, often referred to as 'mega-dinghies,' which can carry up to 230 individuals.
Government sources indicate that the proposed new 'surge team' of French police, to be funded by the UK, will comprise 45 additional officers. This development comes amidst criticism from the Conservative opposition, who have labeled the government's plans a "joke" and suggested that adverse weather conditions, rather than bilateral cooperation, have been the primary factor in a recent decrease in crossings.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the current approach, stating that 95 percent of illegal immigrants crossing the Channel have been permitted to remain in the UK since the election. He pointed to figures showing nearly 20,000 illegal crossings so far this year as evidence of a continuing crisis. Philp also released footage purportedly showing French gendarmes observing migrants boarding a dinghy without intervening, claiming they were under orders not to interfere. He has called for payments under the UK's £660 million deal with France to be suspended until France prevents all embarkations from shallow waters.
Despite these criticisms, Downing Street maintains that the existing agreement with France is proving effective. The total number of French police dedicated to border security is expected to exceed 1,000 for the first time with the establishment of a 75-strong specialist unit. The 'one in, one out' policy, intended to facilitate the return of illegal migrants to France, has resulted in the removal of approximately 1,400 individuals to France, with a comparable number of legitimate asylum seekers admitted to the UK. A Downing Street spokesperson described the deal as a "significant step in the right direction."
Burnham expressed optimism about the progress made over the summer, attributing it to UK-France collaboration. However, he acknowledged the need for vigilance, stating that "smuggling gangs are constantly adapting their tactics, and the UK and France need to respond quickly and stay one step ahead of the criminals." He characterized the small boats crisis as a "shared European challenge" that requires a united approach to restore border control and prevent smugglers from exploiting vulnerable migrants.
In addition to immigration, Burnham and Macron are expected to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Burnham also plans to seek French support for a closer UK-EU relationship ahead of an anticipated UK-EU summit in the autumn.