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Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeHome OfficeTabled Answered 20 October 2025UIN 79310

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her Department's press release entitled UK-France treaty targeting illegal crossings comes into force, published on 7 August 2025, what the level of interoperability is between UK Border Force and the newly established specialist intelligence and judicial police unit.

Answered by Alex Norris

There is no direct engagement between the specialist intelligence and judicial police unit the Groupe d’Appui Operationnel and UK Border Force.

However, newly established law enforcement units such as these are all part of this Government’s commitment to strengthen border security through cooperation with France. We have been clear there are no silver bullets, which is why we have strengthened law enforcement in France and signed this landmark agreement; alongside taking wider measures domestically.

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