UK, France Urge New Action as Channel Crossings Surge

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have acknowledged a worsening migrant crisis in the English Channel, with over 16,300 people crossing in small boats so far in 2025—a surge of up to 50% compared to last year. French police recently used tear gas to try to prevent hundreds of migrants from launching dinghies near Calais, but many still managed to depart. Violent clashes, including shootings, have occurred in migrant camps near Dunkirk, resulting in several deaths and injuries. During their meeting at the G7 summit in Canada, both leaders discussed new approaches, such as linking UK visa policies to the cooperation of migrants' source countries on returns agreements. Despite a £480 million joint initiative, less than 40% of boats have been stopped, fueling UK frustration. France has pledged a new strategy for the upcoming UK-France summit, focused on more aggressive interdiction at sea and along inland waterways.