Hundreds Migrants Cross English Channel Despite French Police, New UK-France Deal

Despite increased efforts by French police and a new UK-France agreement to manage migrant crossings, more than 900 migrants successfully crossed the English Channel in just two days, highlighting the challenges faced in curbing these dangerous journeys. French authorities have deployed over 1,200 police and gendarmes along the coast, partially funded by the UK, but admit patrolling the entire coastline is difficult. The recent deal, agreed upon by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, allows for a limited number of migrants—estimated at around 50 per week—to be returned to France, a figure widely criticized as insufficient compared to the scale of crossings. Migrants and aid groups have dismissed the deal as ineffective, with legal challenges anticipated against the scheme, while some European governments question its legality. Observations from the Channel reveal that migrants continue to cross in large groups, often escorted by French naval vessels and handed over to UK Border Force, demonstrating the ongoing complexity of the migrant situation. Both governments stress the need to dismantle people-smuggling networks, but the surge in crossings underscores the difficulties in managing migration through the Channel.