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French police are slashing boats but migrants are still determined to reach the UK

NORTHERN FRANCE, JUL 7 – Police are increasing boat-slasher tactics to stop a 48% surge in Channel crossings, under UK pressure to reduce illegal migrant arrivals in small vessels.

  • On July 1, 440 migrants crossed the Dover Strait to reach the UK aboard eight small boats from northern France.
  • This crossing surge follows rising attempts amid growing pressure for France to tighten controls and use new boat-slashing tactics.
  • French police have been filmed cutting migrants' boats with knives on beaches like Boulogne-sur-Mer, while camped migrants endure harsh conditions awaiting crossings.
  • Over 20,000 individuals crossed to the UK in early 2025, 7,000 more than last year, despite at least 15 deaths during dangerous Channel crossings.
  • The UK supports France's tougher approach and is negotiating a one-in-one-out migrant deal, hoping to reduce incentives for illegal crossings.
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On Friday, July 4th, French policemen slashed a pneumatic boat of migrants, who were trying to cross the English Channel to the United Kingdom. An act prohibited by international law...

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abc News broke the news in United States on Monday, July 7, 2025.
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