Starmer, Macron Expected to Announce Channel Migration Measures

The ongoing surge in migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats remains a significant challenge and a point of tension between the United Kingdom and France. More than 21,000 migrants have made the crossing so far this year, marking a 48 percent increase compared to the previous year and threatening to surpass the 2022 record. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing domestic political pressure amid rising far-right popularity, has vowed to regain control of the borders and is seeking stronger cooperation with France, including potential legal changes to allow French police to intercept migrant boats closer to their shores. French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK includes discussions with Starmer aimed at announcing new measures to curb these dangerous crossings, alongside broader cooperation on migration, defence, and security. Both leaders expressed hope for making significant progress during their summit, with France reportedly adopting tougher enforcement actions even before new rules take effect. The summit also features plans for joint talks with allied nations supporting a peace deal in Ukraine, underscoring the wide-ranging nature of UK-France collaboration.