Undocumented Migrants: English Channel
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 input (a) she and (b) her Department has had into the review of the French maritime approach undertaken to allow greater interception of boats in shallow waters.
Answered by Alex Norris
The Home Secretary and her Department have not had direct input into the French review of their maritime approach in relation to the operationalisation of interceptive tactics on small boats. While recognising that it would not be appropriate to provide direct input into an internal review of this nature, the UK government fully supports the review, which is the first of its kind to be undertaken by a French government. This comes amid more than 6 months of close working between the Home Secretary and the French Interior Minister.
The outcome of the maritime review has not yet been announced, but we expect that French maritime operational teams will soon be able to intervene on the water to stop boats launching.
This is of course operationally sensitive and legally complex, but in the coming weeks we can expect their officers to deploy a wider range of tactics to ramp up their ability to prevent these crossings.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →