London, UK: The British government has reached a deal with France to promote cooperation over refugees and migrants who are using small boats to cross the channel.
The United Kingdom has agreed to pay France £8 million more a year in the revised deal.
The money will be used for increased surveillance of French shores and UK police officers will be allowed to observe patrol within France.
The UK Prime Minister Mr. Rishi Sunak announced that he was confident that the crossings could be brought down. The Prime Minister also warned that there was nothing that could fix the situation while promising “even greater cooperation” with France in the coming months.
The UK government is continuously facing pressure to reduce journeys across the Channel, which is now risen to record levels.
According to the official data, more than 40,000 people have crossed in small boats this year which includes 1800 this weekend alone.
There are no quick fixes, but this new arrangement will mean we can significantly increase the number of French gendarmes patrolling the beaches in northern France and ensure UK and French officers are working hand in hand to stop the people smugglers
UK Home Secretary Ms. Suella Braverman remarked.
Based on the new agreement signed by the Home Secretary, the United Kingdom will pay France £63 million this year.
The amount will cover investment in drones, night vision equipment, and CCTV. This also involves funding for detection dogs at ports and investment in reception and removal centers in France.
Both countries have agreed to use intelligence to deconstruct smuggling networks and dissuade crossings by working with the migrants’ countries of origin.