The UK has signed a new agreement with the EU Border Agency to stem the flow of illegal migrants on small boats crossing the English Channel.
The agreement with Frontex will see the UK Border Force working more closely with its European counterparts on intelligence and training, as well as introducing new technologies and operations.
James Cleverly welcomed European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson to London on Friday to oversee the signing of the agreement by Frontex and Border Force officials. The home secretary said:
“This government has a plan to break the model of the smuggling gangs, end the abuse of our asylum system and stop the boats. The plan is working with crossings down by a third – but we must go further. Organised immigration crime and people-smuggling are global challenges that require shared solutions and ambitions. Our landmark working arrangement between the UK and Frontex is another crucial step in tackling illegal migration, securing our borders and stopping the boats.”
The deal is the latest in a series of arrangements, including an agreement reached last year with Paris to increase co-operation between French and British law enforcement agencies.
It also follows talks between Rishi Sunak and Ursula von der Leyen, who agreed in May 2023 to strengthen co-operation on small courts.
The prime minister had a telephone conversation with the European Commission president on Sunday and the pair welcomed the conclusion of the talks that led to the agreement.
Rishi Sunak named “stopping boats” as one of the five priorities for 2023. Last year the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats fell from 45,755 to 29,437. So far this year, 1,716 people have crossed the Channel, down from 2,720 over the same period in 2023.
