France is planning to stop small boats carrying asylum seekers at sea, on rivers, and near beaches as part of a new crackdown on illegal Channel crossings. This move comes after strong pressure from the UK government and a record number of migrant arrivals this year.
A UK Home Office source told The Guardian that French officials have now agreed to take action not just on the beaches, but also in nearby waters and inland canals. The goal is to stop the so-called “taxi boats” — small vessels that carry people along rivers to points where they can cross the Channel.
The new plan is meant to reduce the number of dangerous crossings, which often involve overcrowded and unsafe boats. British officials say the French will now start targeting these boats before they even reach the coast.
However, some NGOs are warning that this new strategy could put lives at risk. They fear that trying to stop boats earlier, especially in deeper or rougher waters, might lead to accidents before rescue teams can step in.
The policy shift came after UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper raised concerns about the lack of fast response from French border teams. She said she wants to see more action in both shallow and inland waters to stop crossings at the earliest stage.
The issue is becoming more political as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Labour government face growing pressure from Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Immigration is expected to be a key topic in the upcoming elections.
Just this past Saturday, a record 1,195 people arrived in the UK in 19 small boats, bringing the total this year to 14,812 — the highest number ever recorded for this time of year.
With summer heat waves expected, officials fear the number of Channel crossings could rise even more in the coming weeks, putting additional pressure on both British and French border forces.