France is backing away from a recent commitment to intervene more forcefully at sea to stop small boats from crossing the English Channel, the BBC reports.
Several sources have told the national broadcaster that France’s current political turmoil is partly to blame, but it will come as a blow to the UK government’s attempts to tackle the issue.
Dangerously overcrowded inflatable boats continue to leave the coast on an almost daily basis, from a shallow tidal canal near the port of Dunkirk.
The reports come after news that a record number of 16 illegal migrants have been returned to France this week in the largest group flight yet, bringing the total number of returns to 42.
The Home Secretary has pledged to “scale up removals to France” in a stark warning to those attempting to enter the country illegally.
The previous government’s Rwanda policy consumed years of effort and hundreds of millions in public funds yet removed only four people. Within weeks of our new arrangement with France, the Government has successfully removed 42 illegal migrants.
The UK-France treaty allows the rapid detention and removal of individuals who enter illegally via small boats.
Further flights to France under this pilot scheme are scheduled to take place over the coming days and weeks, as the Government looks to work with the French government to scale up the scheme.
“For many years, illegal migrants entered our country with no consequence,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
“This is the largest return flight under our historic deal with the French. And it sends a warning to those considering entering this country illegally: if you come here by small boat, you can be sent back.
“This is just the beginning – I will scale up these removals to France. And I will do whatever it takes to secure our borders.”
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