UK and EU Border Agency Collaborate to Prevent Migrant Boats From Crossing English Channel
The agreement between the UK and the European Union’s border agency aims to enhance cooperation between Border Force and Frontex, focusing on training, operations, and intelligence sharing.
The UK has recently signed an agreement with Frontex, the EU’s border agency, to prevent illegal migrant crossings in the English Channel using small boats.
At the Home Office in London, Home Secretary James Cleverly and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson signed the new arrangement between the UK’s Border Force and Frontex, increasing collaboration on training, joint operations, and intelligence sharing.
Mr. Cleverly highlighted the government’s efforts to combat smuggling gangs and illegal migration, emphasizing the importance of shared solutions and ambitions in addressing these global challenges.
Deal With France to Curb Illegal Migration
Following discussions between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, cooperation between the UK and the EU was strengthened to tackle illegal migration, leading to the formalization of the agreement.
The agreement is part of a broader effort to address illegal migration, with both the UK and France signing a new deal to combat illegal crossings, involving increased financial support and enhanced patrols.
Cleverly Aims for ‘Zero’ English Channel Crossings
Prime Minister Sunak has prioritized stopping illegal migration using small boats, with a firm stance on criminal activities and the need to protect legal immigration channels.
Efforts to reduce English Channel crossings have shown progress, with fewer migrants attempting the journey compared to previous years.
Last month, the home secretary reaffirmed the commitment to bring the number of crossings down to zero, emphasizing the determination to achieve this goal.
Mr. Cleverly expressed optimism about the upcoming agreement’s impact in reducing crossings and highlighted other measures being taken to address this issue.
Rwanda Bill
The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill is progressing through the House of Lords, aiming to designate Rwanda as a safe country for migrants, enabling the UK to send illegal arrivals, including Channel boat crossers, to Kigali.
Previous attempts to implement such measures faced legal challenges, leading to a revised treaty with Rwanda and plans for emergency legislation to confirm its safety status.
Introduced in Parliament in December 2023, the Safety of Rwanda Bill seeks to address legal concerns and promote effective immigration management.
PA Media contributed to this report.
