Downing Street has indicated it anticipates “good progress” in addressing the issue of small boats crossing the English Channel during French President Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to the UK.
The Channel crossings are expected to be a focal point of discussions during Mr. Macron’s state visit. On Tuesday, the government expressed optimism that new authorities, empowering French police to intervene before boats enter international waters, will be “operationalised soon.”
While the Prime Minister’s spokesperson refrained from confirming whether a “one in, one out” agreement regarding migrant returns would be reached during the French President’s visit, they suggested negotiations were progressing positively.
The spokesperson stated that ongoing dialogue between Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Mr. Macron was “bearing fruit.”
“We maintain continuous contact with our French counterparts to explore avenues for enhanced joint action aimed at ending the suffering inflicted by these criminal gangs across our borders,” the spokesperson added.
The Prime Minister is reportedly prioritizing a “one in, one out” arrangement as a central component of any new agreement with France.
This arrangement would entail the UK returning migrants arriving via small boat to France, in exchange for accepting asylum seekers with established family connections within the UK.
Downing Street is reportedly engaged in separate discussions with the European Commission to address opposition to the proposed deal from a group of five Mediterranean nations, who have voiced concerns about being potentially compelled to accept individuals deported from the UK.
Sir Keir has also advocated for a revision of French regulations to enable police intervention when boats are in shallow waters, rather than requiring them to remain on land.
Last week, the BBC witnessed French officers using a knife to puncture an inflatable boat after it had launched, suggesting a potential shift in tactics.
When asked about the observed tactics, a Downing Street spokesperson commented: “The French are currently considering the implementation of new tactics to intercept boats while they are in the water, and we anticipate these measures will be operational soon.”
“This government is the first to secure an agreement with the French to review their maritime strategies, allowing their border enforcement teams to intervene in shallow waters.”
“While this is operationally and legally complex, we maintain close collaboration with the French.”
Since assuming power in July of the previous year, Labour has unveiled a series of measures designed to combat human trafficking, including the introduction of a new criminal offense for endangering lives at sea.
Current legislation progressing through Parliament outlines plans to leverage counter-terrorism powers against individuals involved in human smuggling, potentially subjecting suspects to travel restrictions, social media bans, and limitations on phone usage.
However, recent data indicates that 2025 has already established a new record for small boat arrivals in the first six months of the year, since records began in 2018.
Between January and June, nearly 20,000 individuals reached the UK after crossing the English Channel in small boats, representing a 48% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in Westminster and beyond.
BBC Verify examines key areas which the government has promised to make improvements
The UK paused Syrian asylum and settlement claims after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.
Some 70 lone children arrived on small boats on Wednesday, the most in one day, a Kent council says.
Official figures show nearly 20,000 people have crossed the English Channel from France since January.
“We need more prison places – I stood on a manifesto to deliver that,” Kemi Badenoch says.