Downing Street characterizes the English Channel small boat situation as “deteriorating,” ahead of a crucial UK-France summit on border security next month.
During a meeting at the G7 summit in Canada, Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron agreed to collaborate closely on addressing Channel crossings, according to a No. 10 spokesperson.
The spokesperson added that both leaders affirmed migration as a key agenda item during Macron’s state visit from July 8th to 10th.
Official figures indicate over 1,500 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats last week, bringing the year’s total to over 16,000—a 42% increase compared to the same period last year.
The leaders agreed their teams should strive for ambitious outcomes benefiting both British and French citizens, the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson further emphasized migration’s crucial role given the Channel’s worsening situation.
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the current situation, asserting that the Channel crisis is spiraling out of control under the Labour government’s watch.
He added that the government’s response—task forces and summits—is inadequate and ineffective.
Ministers have urged the French government to implement stricter regulations to facilitate the interception of migrant boats.
In 2023, the previous Conservative government provided France with nearly £500 million over three years for enhanced border security measures.
Official data reveals that French authorities have intercepted fewer than 58% of recorded boat crossings this year.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated in March that France was reviewing its policies to strengthen small boat policing; recent days have witnessed a more assertive approach from French authorities.
On Tuesday, officers used tear gas and batons to disperse migrants attempting to board boats near Gravelines, close to Calais.
Labour campaigned on dismantling criminal smuggling networks, and Prime Minister Starmer prioritized combating illegal immigration and reforming the asylum system.
Following its assumption of power, the Labour government rescinded the Conservative government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, reallocating funds towards enhanced border security.
However, Channel crossings have reached 40,000 since Labour took office in July 2024—a 21% increase year-on-year.
During the same period, 940 boats were intercepted, preventing nearly 28,000 migrants from reaching the UK.
The government cites favorable weather conditions and smugglers’ increased capacity as factors contributing to the rise in crossings.
This has prompted the Conservatives to accuse ministers of deflecting blame onto weather patterns.
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