France Deploys Deadly Tactics Against Migrant Boats to Overseas Territories Amid Channel Border Tensions

The UK Border Force has been criticized for entering French waters to collect migrant boats and bring them to Britain, a practice deemed "absolutely outrageous" by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who argues the French authorities should handle migrants in their waters. Meanwhile, France employs aggressive "ramming" tactics against migrant boats trying to enter its overseas territories, particularly around Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, leading to at least 24 deaths or disappearances, despite refusing to use such methods to stop boats heading to the UK. Investigations reveal that French border police deliberately collide with migrant boats, causing drownings and serious injuries, actions officials justify as necessary for the security of Mayotte but which are considered illegal in the English Channel. These contrasting approaches highlight a stark disparity, with France taking a militant stance in its overseas territories while showing reluctance to intervene forcefully in the Channel. Legal challenges have also hindered the UK's efforts to deport migrants back to France under a "one in, one out" deal. The situation underscores a complex and ongoing humanitarian and political crisis involving border control, migrant safety, and international cooperation between the UK and France.