France has dramatically stepped back from its promise to intercept migrant boats in the English Channel, dealing a major blow to Sir Keir Starmer’s key immigration crackdown plan.
Crossings Hit Record Highs as France Backs Off
This stunning reveal comes as Channel crossings have already hit 36,956 this year – smashing the entire 2024 total of 36,816 and making 2025 the second worst year on record. And that number was reached over two months earlier than last year.
A figure close to French maritime security dismissed earlier vows of tougher action as nothing but “political stunt” and “much blah-blah.” This blunt assessment throws months of UK-France talks into doubt.
French U-Turn Sparks UK Frustration
- Martin Hewitt, head of Britain’s Border Security Command, has openly criticised France for dragging its feet on agreed measures.
- The July UK-France summit saw Macron and Starmer agree to target “taxi boats” ferrying migrants through shallow waters.
- But French police unions confirmed earlier interior ministry plans on intercepting boats are now “on hold.”
Jean-Pierre Cloez, police union spokesman, said: “We considered it dangerous at the time. There’s no change in how we do things.”
France’s political chaos also plays a part. Bruno Retailleau, the former interior minister who pushed for a hardline Channel policy, lost his post amid government reshuffles.
Oxford expert Peter Walsh warned: “It’s possible that might never happen,” casting doubt on promised policy shifts amid French instability.
Migrant Returns Scheme Falters
Starmer’s “one-in-one-out” migrant returns deal with France has also flopped. Since August, only 42 migrants were returned, while over 11,000 made it to UK shores.
The scheme’s credibility took another hit when an Iranian deportee returned by boat within weeks of removal.
Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister defended the rollout, promising the man would be “removed again and again” if needed, despite the migrant telling The Guardian he fled exploitation and didn’t feel France was safe.
French Navy Fears Legal Fallout
Security insiders say French naval crews worry about legal risks if migrants are harmed during interceptions. One expert said:
“The French navy is against this. They realise these missions are dangerous and could lead to court cases. It’s going to be a disaster.”
Police unions also highlight stretched resources, poor training, and risks of drowning in heavy gear during sea operations.
Footage from July showed French gendarmes puncturing migrant boats in shallow water, hailed in London as a “significant moment.” Yet no new tactics have followed.
Locals See Boats Set Sail Without Interference
Retired chip shop owner Jean Deldicque witnessed four boats leaving the Canal de L’Aa in one day. Showing footage, he said:
“It’s mad, mad, mad. You have to stop the boats.”
Political Fallout for Starmer
Opposition politicians slammed the returns deal as “pathetic.” Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed it would take 10 years to deport 2025’s arrivals at the current rate.
The Home Office insists France remains a “critical partner” and vows to keep working as France reviews its maritime strategy.
Britain pumps hundreds of millions into French patrols under the Sandhurst Treaty, up for renewal next year.
But with France abandoning promised sea intercepts, smugglers adapt by launching from canals, making land interceptions harder and the Channel more deadly.
Channel Crossings Still Deadly and Rising
This year has already seen at least 73 drownings – more deaths than all previous years combined. Humane groups demand safe legal routes, warning current crackdowns push desperate people into more perilous crossings.
With calm seas creating more “red days” perfect for crossings, numbers are expected to rise this autumn.
Pressure mounts on Starmer as right-wing Reform UK, campaigning on tough immigration, overtakes Labour in some polls.
Hard Questions for Britain’s Border Future
The French backdown raises serious doubts about Britain’s ability to control Channel migration without major changes to maritime law or stronger European cooperation beyond shaky bilateral deals.
