Britain and France have agreed to a three-year border security deal aimed at curbing illegal migrant crossings of the English Channel. Under the agreement, the UK will provide up to 660 million pounds, or 766 million euros, to support efforts to prevent irregular crossings. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and the French interior minister are scheduled to meet near the northwestern French city of Dunkirk on Thursday to sign the deal.
For the first time, some of the UK's payments to France are linked to performance in stopping migrants. Part of the funding is contingent on results, and payments will be halted after one year if specific targets are not met.
France will boost its coastal policing by more than 50%, increasing the number of officers to 1,400 by 2029. Additionally, 1,100 enforcement, intelligence, and military officers—a 40% increase—will be employed to track smuggling gangs and people seeking refuge. The deal also includes funding for a riot squad tasked with containing and dispersing individuals attempting to board small boats.