France Admit It Can Do More to Stop Migrant Crossings After Taking £500 Million for Helping
France has acknowledged that it needs to take stronger action to prevent small boats carrying migrants from reaching the UK—despite receiving £500 million from British taxpayers to help curb the crisis. The country’s interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, even suggested that sending migrants back from Britain could be an option, arguing that this would send a clear message to deter people from risking their lives on the dangerous Channel crossing.
The French government has faced growing pressure to stop the flow of migrants, with critics arguing that their navy should not be escorting boats into UK waters. Instead, some believe France should intercept vessels earlier and prevent them from entering busy shipping lanes, rather than waiting for UK Border Force to take over.
Retailleau admitted that French authorities have previously focused mainly on rescuing migrants at sea rather than stopping departures. He pointed out that smugglers often operate in shallow waters near the coast, making it difficult for police to intervene. “I’ve seen videos where boats come close to shore to pick up migrants in knee-deep water,” he said. “Our officers can’t always stop them.”
The minister also called for a stronger agreement between the UK and France, noting that many migrants who reach Britain never return. He urged other European nations—particularly Belgium and Germany—to crack down on smuggling routes as well.
Recent incidents have fueled frustration over France’s approach. Last month, French naval officers refused to rescue 60 migrants from a sinking dinghy in French waters, instead calling UK Border Force for help. Witnesses described the situation as a “taxi service,” with French vessels simply escorting migrants into British territory.
So far in 2025, nearly 6,000 migrants have crossed the Channel—with March alone seeing a record 4,586 arrivals, the highest number ever recorded in the first half of a year.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently held a summit with over 40 countries to address smuggling networks and financial flows behind the crossings. He warned that ignoring the crisis only gives migrants “false hope” and benefits human traffickers. However, his government faces criticism as migration numbers remain high, with some calling the plan to merely “halve” arrivals “defeatist nonsense.”
Meanwhile, in northern France, migrants near Grande Synthe are waiting for calmer weather to attempt new crossings. After several days of rough seas and increased police patrols, people-smuggling gangs are expected to ramp up operations as conditions improve.
One Ethiopian migrant, 29-year-old Elim, told reporters: “I’ve come this far—to die now would be stupid. Bad weather won’t stop us. It just delays the journey.”
As both nations struggle to find a solution, the debate over responsibility—and the best way to end the crisis—continues.
