France stopped 10 small boats crossing Channel since spring, officials say
Summary
French authorities have stopped small boats crossing the English Channel 10 times since spring, using tactics to board or control the vessels and return asylum seekers to France. Crossings have fallen by 43% compared to last year, partly due to increased UK funding to support French efforts against people smugglers.Key Facts
- French Maritime Prefect officers intervened 10 times since spring to stop small boat crossings.
- Officials use tactics to board vessels and return asylum seekers to France.
- UK opposition politicians have criticized French police for not stopping crossings more actively.
- UK Border Security Command says French officers work hard to disrupt crossings and arrest smugglers.
- Small boat Channel crossings dropped 43% from January to mid-July 2025 compared to 2024.
- UK provided an extra £660 million in April to help French authorities fight people smuggling.
- Smugglers are changing routes, launching boats from further locations like Belgium and Dieppe.
- Larger boats ("mega-dinghies") are being used, increasing risks for migrants; over 170 migrants were rescued from a boat fire recently.
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