"The deal includes £500 million for expanded policing and surveillance operations in northern France, alongside a further £160 million to test new enforcement tactics against people smuggling networks."
"Critics point to official figures showing that interception rates have fallen even as the cost of cooperation has risen. France is now stopping roughly a third of attempted Channel crossings, down from around half under earlier arrangements."
"Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, said the deal 'hands over half a billion pounds of our money with no conditions at all', arguing that crossings continue to rise despite years of funding."
"Officials have also suggested that part of the funding could be withheld if performance targets are not met, with £100 million potentially being redirected if interception rates fail to improve."
The UK will provide £660 million to France to combat small boat crossings in the English Channel, raising total payments to over £1.3 billion. The funding includes £500 million for policing and surveillance, and £160 million for new enforcement tactics against smuggling. Critics argue that previous payments have not yielded results, with interception rates declining. The Home Office plans to deploy nearly 1,100 French personnel and may withhold funds if performance targets are unmet.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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