Shabana Mahmood has agreed to an extension of a deal with France aimed at preventing migrants from boarding small boats in Northern France.
The decision was made by the Home Secretary following last-minute discussions just before the agreement was set to expire at midnight. The initial pact, established in 2023, involves the UK funding French beach patrols to disrupt smuggling operations.
The Home Office confirmed that French law enforcement and intelligence efforts will be prolonged for an additional two months, costing £16.2 million. Approximately 700 officers specializing in intercepting small boats will conduct continuous patrols along the French coastline.
Negotiations will proceed to enhance the agreement during the extension period. Mahmood emphasized the success of the collaboration with France, noting that it has thwarted 42,000 illegal migration attempts across the Channel.
A Home Office representative stated that the Home Secretary is diligently negotiating with France to secure the best possible deal to prevent illegal crossings and ensure border security for the British populace.
In 2023, the previous Tory administration announced a £478 million package to establish a new detention center in France and deploy additional law enforcement personnel on French shores. Despite these efforts, the number of migrants crossing has continued to rise, with 41,472 individuals arriving in the UK by small boat in 2025.
France’s junior minister for the sea, Xavier Ducept, criticized the UK for imposing conditions that could endanger asylum seekers’ lives. He stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and adherence to the law in interception operations funded by the UK.
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