The UK Home Office has said French authorities are becoming more effective at stopping small boat crossings, crediting new tactics with preventing hundreds of potential journeys this summer.
According to the department, the measures used by France have led to the interception of large numbers of attempted crossings before they could take place. The comments point to what the UK government regards as improved enforcement on the French side of the Channel.
The Home Office said the interceptions took place during the summer and involved hundreds of potential crossings. It attributed the results to new tactics being used by French authorities, though the supplied material does not set out the precise nature of those tactics.
Small boat crossings remain a significant issue for the UK government, with enforcement efforts involving cooperation with France. The Home Office’s assessment suggests ministers believe French action is having a greater effect on attempts to reach the UK by sea.
The latest known position is that the Home Office is publicly crediting France with improved performance in preventing crossings, while linking the increase in interceptions to changes in tactics during the summer.
