France acknowledges need to tackle Channel migrant crisis, considers returns

France's Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has acknowledged the need to curb the flow of migrants crossing the English Channel, proposing the possibility of returning illegal migrants to the UK. This comes amid rising pressure on France to address the small boat crisis, despite receiving £500 million from UK taxpayers for deterrence efforts. Retailleau criticized the current French approach, which focused on saving lives at sea without intervening in the dangerous crossings, labeling it ineffective. He suggested a bilateral agreement between the UK and France to deter migrants, noting that many do not return after reaching British shores. The minister also emphasized the importance of collaboration with other European nations like Belgium and Germany to close smuggling routes, indicating that dismantling one smuggling operation often leads to the emergence of another. With 6,000 migrants arriving in the UK already in 2025, the situation remains critical and requires immediate action.