Sir Keir Starmer's flagship pledge to tackle small boat crossings by 'smashing the gangs' has encountered a significant new obstacle, as French police unions have refused to carry out risky maritime interceptions. This move threatens to undermine a key element of the UK's £500 million security agreement with France.
Union Blockade Over Safety and Legal Fears
Despite year-long negotiations between Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron, officers' representatives have blocked plans for police to stop dinghies using tactics like jamming propellers. The largest French police union, Alliance, stated it is too dangerous for members to conduct arrests at sea while trying to force a vessel to change course.
A source from the French interior ministry revealed the core issue: police demand guarantees against prosecution in case of death or injury, but judicial authorities say this is impossible. "The judicial authorities remain firm – there will be no waiving of criminal liability if things go wrong," the source told The Mail on Sunday.
A £500m Deal in Jeopardy
This impasse comes despite the UK Government's payment of £500 million to France over a three-year period, specifically intended to fund actions preventing migrants from reaching British shores. In a letter to Mr Macron last month, Sir Keir insisted, "It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month," admitting, "We do not have an effective deterrent in the Channel."
The planned operations, centred on key sections of the Channel and North Sea coast like Calais and Dunkirk, were meant to see France's Maritime Gendarmerie intercept boats in ports and rivers. The strategy involved ordering boats to stop, immobilising them, and diverting them back to France.
Political Fallout and Alternative Plans
The Conservatives have seized on the development, calling it proof that Labour's cancellation of the Rwanda deportation scheme was a "serious mistake." Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp labelled the sea interception plan "another gimmick" and reiterated the Conservative commitment to exiting the European Convention on Human Rights to enable faster deportations.
Meanwhile, the Home Office attempted to downplay the setback. A source insisted the Government remains "committed to working in partnership" with France to "drive down small-boat crossings." An official spokesman highlighted that joint work had prevented over 22,000 crossing attempts this year, while pointing to new reforms aimed at increasing removals.
The French Navy has also expressed grave concerns, with a senior officer warning that "disaster, including drownings, can easily happen." The stance of the new French Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, a former police prefect, is understood to align with the unions regarding the extreme dangers of intervening with boats at sea.
