US EditionFrench 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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17 Articles
Small boat crossings by migrants in northern France on the rise
From the start of the year, over 20,000 men, women, and children have made it to the United Kingdom – which is 7,000 more than during the equivalent period in 2024. At least 15 individuals have perished while trying to cross.
Channel crossings by migrants in small boats are on the rise
Since the beginning of the year, more than 20,000 men, women and children have managed to reach the United Kingdom – 7,000 more than during the same period in 2024. At least 15 people have died while attempting the crossing.
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...
France 'clearly changing' its doctrine on Channel migrant crossings
The BBC on Friday broadcast footage of French police puncturing a boat with a knife as it was about to set off for the UK, with dozens of migrants then making their way back to shore. The act shows French authorities are "clearly changing" their doctrine when it comes to preventing migrant crossings, says FRANCE 24's Marc Perelman.
French police are slashing migrant boats but they’re still determined to reach the UK
ECAULT BEACH: Across the English Channel, the white cliffs of the U.K beckon. On fine days, men and women with children in their arms and determination in their eyes can see the shoreline of what they believe will be a promised land as they attempt the perilous crossing clandestinely, ditching belongings to squeeze aboard flimsy inflatable boats that set to sea from northern
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