British taxpayers are funding a French endeavor that appears to be floundering.
Historically, from the 12th-century ‘Hundred Years War’ through to the Napoleonic Wars of the 19th century, Britain and France have excelled at being adversaries. However, when it comes to collaboration, particularly in the realm of immigration control, their performance leaves much to be desired.
The two nations are currently struggling to address the substantial influx of migrants crossing the English Channel in small inflatable boats. And, as it turns out, their attempts are proving less than effective.
The number of migrants attempting to cross has surged, even as France has received nearly half a billion pounds to prevent these boats from departing, triggering outrage among British citizens.
France has recently promised a plan to finally begin intercepting these migrant ‘taxi boats’.
This is the French police watching this morning as scores of illegal migrants cram on to a boat and head across the Channel for the UK.
Proof positive of the great return we’re getting for the tens of millions we’ve given to France to help stop the small boats. pic.twitter.com/ETpp81uZF1— Andrew Neil (@afneil) May 31, 2025
‘17,000 migrants so far this year — 47% ahead of where we were at this point last year.’
GB News Homeland Security Editor Mark White reveals the small boat crisis is accelerating, with French camps turning violent and UK-bound boats flooding the Channel. pic.twitter.com/HPNvKRuYQf
— GB News (@GBNEWS) June 17, 2025
On June 18, reports emerged indicating that France intends to enhance its approach to intercepting small boats, proposing a change in engagement rules.
Reuters noted:
“France and Britain hope to unveil the measures at next month’s U.K.-France Summit, according to a French interior ministry document seen by Reuters.
The number of migrants arriving in the UK via the Channel had risen by 42% this year compared to 2024, spurred by favorable weather conditions and new techniques that allow boats to carry more people, as stated by France’s interior ministry.”
‘It’s a disaster waiting to happen.’
GB News’ Mark White reports from Dunkirk as French police fire tear gas but fail to stop migrants reaching the boats.
Young men wade into the Channel — with no real pushback, and every expectation they’ll reach the UK and stay. pic.twitter.com/LMgY7t8pEa
— GB News (@GBNEWS) June 17, 2025
The proposed changes would empower authorities to intercept small boats up to 300 meters from shore.
“British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office stated after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Canada that addressing migration should be a priority at the upcoming July summit due to the worsening situation in the Channel.”
Good Morning Britain has been told migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats have asked the French coast guard to escort them into UK waters. @swainitv reports. pic.twitter.com/yQiI24YCqR
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 19, 2025
‘One was shot in the head. Dead.’
‘Hammer attacks, stabbings — it’s like a war zone.’@Nigel_Farage warns of escalating violence on French beaches as over 50% more migrants cross the Channel this year.‘The gangs are actually getting more dangerous!’ pic.twitter.com/CCaulEweLR
— GB News (@GBNEWS) June 17, 2025
Read more:
Human Smugglers Launching ‘Swarms’ of Small Boats Filled With Illegal Migrants in the English Channel To Evade French Police on Their Way to the UK
