France is struggling to stop most of the migrants attempting to cross the English Channel, even as the UK continues to pay more than £480,000 every day to support French patrol efforts. Official Home Office figures reveal that so far in 2025, only 8,347 migrants have been intercepted by French authorities, while 13,167 have successfully reached Britain’s southern coast.
This means nearly two-thirds of the total number of migrants attempting the journey have made it into the UK, despite a major financial agreement between London and Paris intended to stop the crossings. Critics say the French government is not meeting its obligations, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the ongoing cooperation.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has called the figures unacceptable, accusing France of failing to uphold its international responsibilities. He argued that France should follow Belgium’s example and return intercepted boats back to French soil, rather than allowing them to drift or be escorted into British waters.
Meanwhile, the UK Home Office has confirmed it is working closely with the French government to improve outcomes. A spokesperson revealed that new efforts include the launch of a dedicated patrol unit aimed at stepping up enforcement on France’s northern coast. In addition, French authorities are said to be updating their operational policies to allow maritime teams to intervene even in shallow water areas, where many crossings begin.
Talks between the UK and France have also led to the development of a small-scale “pilot scheme” to test the feasibility of a migrant returns agreement. Officials hope this could pave the way for a broader deal across Europe, potentially allowing countries to return migrants back to their point of departure.
Despite the increased funding and new enforcement strategies, the sharp rise in successful crossings continues to put pressure on both governments. UK politicians have voiced concerns over whether taxpayers are getting value for the nearly half a million pounds spent each day.
The migrant crisis remains a major political issue, as both nations face criticism for how they are managing border security and human trafficking networks. With crossings expected to rise during the warmer months, many are demanding stronger and more effective action on both sides of the Channel.