UK, France agree 3‑year deal to curb Channel crossings
Louis Oelofse with AFP, Reuters
1 hour ago1 hour ago
For the first time, the deal links some UK payments to France to performance in stopping migrants. Funding will be halted after one year if targets are not met.
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Migrants board a boat from the beach at Dunkirk on the French coast on April 13, 2026
At least 29 migrants died at sea in the Channel in 2025 [FILE: April 13, 2026]Image: Ioannis Alexopoulos/ZUMA/IMAGO
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The United Kingdom and France have agreed on a new three-year deal to curb undocumented migrant crossings in the English Channel.
Under the agreement, France will step up patrols along its coast, increasing the number of officers by more than 50% to 1,400 by 2029, while the UK will provide up to €766 million ($897 million) in funding.
Almost a quarter of the money will be paid only if the measures prove effective.
The UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez were expected to sign the three-year agreement in France on Thursday.
What will the UK-France new border security deal cover?
The deployment of law enforcement, intelligence and military personnel on beaches in northern France
A new 50-strong riot police unit, expanded intelligence and judicial teams, and extra maritime patrols
Enhanced surveillance, including drones, two helicopters and upgraded camera systems
A new vessel and more than 20 additional maritime officers to intercept boats at sea
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