French President Emmanuel Macron has signalled a renewed commitment to tackling small boat crossings during his state visit to the UK, saying both nations “will deliver” on curbing illegal migration. Talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are set to focus on granting French police new authority to intercept vessels in shallow waters and potentially introducing a “one in, one out” migrant returns agreement.
The proposed deal would see the UK return small boat arrivals to France, in exchange for taking in asylum seekers with close family ties in Britain. Downing Street views this as a potential deterrent to dangerous Channel crossings but acknowledges that high-volume returns would be essential for any real impact.
Negotiations have also involved the EU, as Mediterranean states have voiced concerns about absorbing people deported from the UK. Meanwhile, French forces appear to be testing new tactics, including intercepting boats already in the water - something the UK government claims it has never previously secured agreement on.
Since taking office, Labour has introduced tougher measures on people-smuggling, including new laws targeting those who endanger lives at sea. Despite these steps, Channel crossings surged in the first half of 2025, with nearly 20,000 arrivals - a 48% rise from the same period last year, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and EU cooperation.
