Yvette Cooper Backs Tougher French Tactics to Curb the Channel Crossings Ahead of Macron Visit

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has praised new tactics employed by French authorities to curb small boat crossings in the English Channel, as the UK prepares to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron for a high-profile state visit this week. The developments come amid mounting political pressure on the UK government to reduce the number of asylum seekers arriving by boat.

French police recently implemented a more proactive approach by stopping a vessel already in the water near Boulogne. Officers reportedly used knives to puncture the inflatable craft, marking a shift from their previous policy of non-intervention once boats were launched. The move follows a legal review in France on the extent to which law enforcement can take action at sea.

Cooper described the new French tactics as “important” and highlighted the need for continued collaboration between the two countries. “Working with the French is vital to stop boats crossing in the first place,” she said. “We have been working together on new ways to crack down on the criminal gang operations, with the French now bringing in important new tactics to stop boats that are in the water.”

The remarks come ahead of a bilateral summit on Thursday between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Macron. The meeting is expected to include discussions on further joint measures aimed at deterring dangerous crossings. Cooper and Starmer are under growing pressure as the number of people arriving by small boats continues to climb; over 20,000 have reached the UK in the first half of 2025 alone, a 48% increase from the same period last year.

One proposal under discussion is a “one in, one out” plan, which would allow the UK to return individuals who crossed the Channel illegally in exchange for accepting another asylum seeker from France who meets certain criteria, such as having family ties in Britain. The initiative aims to make crossings less appealing by increasing the likelihood of interception and return.

Though officials have not confirmed whether the plan will be ready in time for Macron’s visit, discussions are ongoing. One government source noted the desire to finalise a functional agreement, saying, “Signing it during the visit would be ideal, but it would be even more ideal to make sure it works properly.”

Macron’s state visit begins with ceremonial events, including a stay at Windsor Castle, before turning to political talks later in the week. The intensifying cooperation on border security signals a renewed Anglo-French effort to tackle the long-standing issue of illegal Channel crossings.

DOWNLOAD IPFS