Arabic version: المملكة المتحدة وفرنسا ت finalize صفقة بقيمة 662 مليون جنيه إسترليني للحد من عبور القناة

The UK and France have agreed to a new £662 million deal aimed at reducing illegal crossings of the English Channel by small boats. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to sign the three-year agreement with France on Thursday, which will deploy riot-trained police to French beaches to tackle violence and crowd control associated with migrant crossings. According to BBC News, the deal will see at least 50 officers sent to France to help manage the situation.

In addition to increased police presence, the agreement includes the deployment of drones, two new helicopters, and advanced camera systems to enhance surveillance and interception of people smugglers. The UK government has indicated that approximately £100 million of funding may be redirected or withdrawn after a year if French authorities do not significantly reduce the number of crossings.

The number of migrants arriving in the UK by small boat has surged, with 41,472 reported in 2025 alone. This trend has led to criticism regarding the effectiveness of French enforcement actions. Home Secretary Mahmood emphasized the necessity for more robust measures, stating that the collaboration with France has already prevented tens of thousands of illegal crossings.

Critics, including members of the Conservative Party and Reform UK, have expressed concerns over the financial commitment, arguing that the agreement lacks sufficient conditions for accountability. They have demanded that France must do more to prevent crossings before receiving UK funds. In contrast, the Liberal Democrats suggest a more comprehensive approach focusing on dismantling the criminal networks behind the crossings.

The new deal represents a significant escalation in enforcement efforts, with nearly 1,100 law enforcement and military officers expected to be involved in operations in northern France. France will also contribute additional maritime resources to improve interception capabilities. The deal aims not only to curb crossings but also to target the networks facilitating these illegal journeys, reflecting a growing urgency to address the ongoing migration crisis in the region.