The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, announces this Thursday, July 10 that “for the first time, migrants who reach small boats will be carried out and will quickly be returned to France”, specifying that “in exchange for each performance”, a different individual can come through a controlled and legal route. “
“This will be demonstrated to others who seek to make the same trip that does not work. We will control illegal work,” justifies the British leader, during a press conference with Emmanuel Macron.
The latter underlines “an essential problem for our two countries” that hires “human and technical resources that have never been so important”, with more than 1,200 security and intervention forces.
Almost 20,000 migrants have crossed the channel since January 1
Pointing out an “increase in illegal crosses since January,” Emmanuel Macron spoke of a “problem” that touches “the two sides of the La Mancha Canal.” The French president asked to “intensify joint operations” with countries of origin and transit.
The Elysée tenant points out the “risks” taken by the smugglers who “adapt” to the measures taken by London and Paris. Before the press, he estimated that there is an “incentive” to cross the Brexit channel. Emmanuel Macron also pointed out the impact of immigration “in northern France”, believing that “it is not a gift for Calais or Dunkerque.”
According to the figures published on July 1, almost 20,000 migrants have crossed the channel since January 1, which is a record in the first half of the year. This represents a 48% increase compared to 2024 (13,489 crossed in six months) and 75% compared to 2023 (11,433 in the first half). In 2024, 78 migrants died during the crosses, a record. In February, London and Paris extended their treatments against illegal immigration until 2027, whereby the British financed part of the controls carried out on the French side.
Source: BFM TV
