UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander backs French police slashing smugglers’ boats, calling it a tough but necessary move to stop Channel crossings.
As reported by The Guardian, a cabinet minister said the government supports French police slashing smuggler boats, calling it “not pleasant” but the right tactic to tackle crossings.
What did Heidi Alexander say about French police slashing boats?
Heidi Alexander said the tactics used by French police, as seen in recent footage, were difficult to watch but could help prevent risky Channel crossings.
She stated,
“I think that footage that we saw, whilst it wasn’t pleasant to see, in terms of the action that the French authorities were taking to cut those boats, to prevent people leaving the French shores, that’s an action that we are supporting.”
During an interview, Ms Alexander said,
“We’re working very closely with the French authorities, and the visit of President Macron this week is another opportunity to continue those discussions.”
She stated,
“I’m not going to speculate on the coverage of this possibility of a ‘one in, one out’ agreement with France. We’ve seen in the last couple of days, haven’t we, that the French authorities are now using some new tactics to stop the boats in shallow waters.”
Ms Alexander added,
“We welcome that and we want to build on it. I know that the prime minister spoke with President Macron at the weekend … We’ve been honest that this is a problem that we’re not going to fix overnight.”
When asked whether the large funding given to France to tackle small boat crossings was justified, she said, “We will always spend our money in the public interest, in the national interest.”
What will Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announce on small boat crossings?
French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit on Tuesday will include high-level talks at an Anglo-French summit and an official address to parliament.
Both leaders are expected to announce plans to strengthen UK–France cooperation on Channel crossings, with French police playing a greater role, as President Macron arrives in London this week for a state visit.
France might let police act closer to the shore, up to 300 metres, to stop migrant boats from leaving. This would require protocol changes that align with the UN law of the sea, which prohibits non-rescue actions at sea.
Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to curb small boat arrivals across the Channel. More than 20,000 arrivals were recorded in six months, up 48% from last year.
Emmanuel Macron’s views on UK–France relations
Emmanuel Macron described his UK visit as “an important moment for our two nations” and pledged “effective” cooperation on key issues like migration.
He said,
“The United Kingdom is a strategic partner, an ally, a friend. Our bond is longstanding, forged by history and strengthened by trust.”
Mr Macron added,
“Together, we will address the major challenges of our time: security, defence, nuclear energy, space, innovation, artificial intelligence, migration, and culture. These are all areas in which we seek to act together and deepen our co-operation in a concrete, effective and lasting way.”
Ed Davey’s stance on Starmer and Macron’s role against Trump’s tariffs
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called on Sir Keir to use the state visit to present a united stance against Trump’s trade policies.
He said,
“The Government has worked hard to negotiate, but every time, Donald Trump’s boomerang tariffs come back as he moves the goal posts again and again.”
Mr Davey added,
“It’s time to make clear to Trump that we will not take his playground bullying and divide-and-rule tactics lying down. That is the best way to stand up for British jobs, protect our economy and end the uncertainty of this trade war for good.”
Illegal migrants in the UK
- 44,125 people arrived irregularly in the UK, up 14% from last year.
- 86% (38,023) came by small boats; others arrived by air (7%), inland (6%), or by ports (1%).
- Small boat crossings increased 22% to 38,023 in 2024–25.
- Average passengers per boat rose from 50 to 54.
- Top nationalities: Afghans (16%), Syrians (12%), Eritreans (12%), Iranians (11%), Sudanese (9%).