Martin Hewitt, the UK’s border security commander, has expressed frustration that French authorities have not yet implemented tactics to puncture and disable boats used by asylum seekers in shallow waters. Appearing before the Commons home affairs select committee, Hewitt cited rapid changes in government in France as a 'political backdrop' hindering the rollout of these interventionist measures.
In June, the French cabinet pledged to reinterpret maritime law to allow police to intercept migrant boats within 300 metres of the coast, a move hailed by UK government insiders as a 'gamechanger'. However, French police have since said they will not act without assurances of protection, training, and equipment. Hewitt noted that he met with a senior French official three weeks ago to press the importance of this tactic, particularly against 'taxi boats' picking up people in shallow waters.
Hewitt described the delays as 'frustrating', especially given that President Macron discussed the issue with the British Prime Minister in July. He acknowledged that political instability in France has been a factor. Meanwhile, deaths in the Channel have reached 'horrific' levels, with the International Organisation for Migration reporting 2024 as the deadliest year on record, with at least 82 fatalities, including 14 children.
Hewitt also highlighted a shift in migrant origins, with many from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia. He noted that last winter, smugglers lost control as desperate migrants stormed boats without paying, leading to a rise in fatalities. The committee chair, Karen Bradley, revealed that only 12 officials are working on the government's 'one in, one out' deal with France, compared to over 1,000 on the previous Rwanda scheme. Hewitt responded that the new deal involves more people across enforcement and immigration, but warned that dismantling smuggling gangs will take time.
