.svg)
Downing Street has highlighted the UK’s relationship with France as “key” to tackling small boat crossings, ahead of Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Britain.
The French president and his wife, Brigitte, will be hosted by the King during their state visit on Tuesday. While in the UK, Mr Macron and Sir Keir Starmer will hold a Franco-British summit, with migration expected to be a major topic of discussion.
Defence and security
Alongside discussions about Channel crossings, the summit will also focus on defence, security, and economic growth, according to No 10.
Downing Street said joint efforts with France to address migration are “stronger than ever,” and indicated that further measures to stop small boats would be discussed during the meeting.
A No 10 spokesperson said: “We are looking forward to welcoming President Macron for a historic state visit this week.
“This relationship is vital to many issues, and we expect to make good progress on a range of priorities — including migration, growth, defence and security — which serve the interests of both the British and French people.”
New tactics
Mr Macron’s visit comes as the number of small boat crossings this year has already passed 20,000 — the earliest point this milestone has been reached since records began in 2018. According to PA analysis of Home Office data, the 2025 total now stands at 21,117.
Asked about whether French police puncturing a boat with a knife last week signals new tactics, Downing Street did not give a clear answer.
The Sun on Sunday also reported that French police have begun using nets in the water to jam boat propellers in a bid to cut crossings.
However, No 10 suggested that a revised approach has been agreed but not yet fully implemented. A spokesperson said:
“We are the first government to secure an agreement with the French to review their maritime tactics so their border teams can act in shallow waters.
“This is operationally and legally complex, but we are working closely with the French and expect it to be in place soon.”
Before the visit, Sir Keir and Mr Macron spoke by phone on Saturday and agreed to make “good progress” on a number of shared priorities, including migration.
They also plan to co-host a meeting of the “coalition of the willing,” a peacekeeping mission aimed at supporting a future truce in Ukraine.
Asked about preparations for the mission, Downing Street stressed that UK support for Ukraine “remains steadfast.”
