France has told Britain that it must take stronger action on illegal migration or the agreement to stop small boats crossing the Channel could be canceled. Natasha Bouchart, the Mayor of Calais, said it doesn’t make sense for France to spend millions of euros trying to stop the crossings if the UK continues to let migrants work illegally and stay in the country. She argued that Britain needs to change its system and take more responsibility for stopping the flow of migrants.
The UK has paid France £500 million to help control the crisis, but French officials say this isn’t enough if Britain isn’t stricter with its own policies. Many migrants see Britain as a “land of riches,” where they believe they can find work, get benefits, and stay with little chance of being deported. This belief is driving more people to make the dangerous journey across the Channel in small boats.
The Labour government in Britain has been criticized for not doing enough to stop illegal migration. Some people claim that the government’s policies are too soft, making it easier for migrants to come and stay. There is also concern that the UK is not taking strong measures to deter crossings, such as increasing deportations or introducing stricter rules for those arriving illegally.
On GB News, commentators discussed the issue, with some joking that it’s surprising to see France, often viewed as lenient on immigration, telling Britain to “get tough.” They also pointed out that while the UK is spending a lot of money on this problem, the situation is only getting worse.
French officials, including the head of their immigration office, have said that the UK’s current approach is part of the problem. They believe that Britain’s policies encourage migrants to make the journey because they see the UK as a place where they can have a better life. Mayor Bouchart added that the UK should stop being so welcoming to illegal migrants, saying, “Why should France do all the work when Britain allows them to stay?”
The crisis has become a major issue for both countries. France wants Britain to take more action to stop migrants before they arrive, while Britain argues that it is already paying large amounts of money to support efforts in France. Meanwhile, the number of people making the dangerous Channel crossing continues to rise, putting more pressure on both governments to find a solution.
This problem isn’t just about money; it’s about finding a fair and effective way to handle migration. As France pushes Britain to act tougher, many wonder if the two countries can work together to fix the issue, or if the disagreement will lead to the Channel deal falling apart. For now, the debate continues, and the migrant crisis remains a serious challenge for both nations.