The situation at the English Channel has reached a new level of urgency as migrants report being compelled by French police to attempt dangerous crossings, with the numbers hitting a new daily record. Migrants living in makeshift camps in Dunkirk have described increased aggression from French police, who are funded by Britain, as they are forced to move from their camps every 48 hours¹. This has led to a record 711 people crossing the Channel in small boats on a single day, marking the busiest day of the year so far.
The refugees, many of whom are seeking asylum, have expressed a sense of desperation as they face the constant destruction of their camps by police. Every 10-12 weeks, police in riot gear reportedly destroy the entire camp, leaving the migrants with nothing¹. This aggressive approach is part of a £500 million investment by the UK government over three years to fund French border guards, surveillance cameras, drones, and night-vision binoculars.
Despite the UK Home Secretary’s praise of the French law enforcement efforts on the border, the number of small boat arrivals to the UK has increased by 24 percent compared to the same period last year¹. The migrants, driven by the need for safety and a peaceful life, are now looking further along the coastline for beaches less monitored by police, which results in much longer and riskier journeys across the Channel.
According to Independents, The French police’s actions have been described as “endless torture” by one Afghan refugee, who spoke of the relentless cycle of having their tents and belongings destroyed¹. The use of drones to monitor crossing attempts has been agreed upon by both the UK and French governments, but this has not deterred the migrants, who continue to seek safer shores
Charity workers have noted an increase in police aggression over the past six months, which they believe is forcing migrants to make more dangerous attempts at crossing the Channel¹. The police have been reported to slash boats to prevent them from launching and to use helicopters and drones to scare migrants away from attempting the journey.
The situation raises serious concerns about the treatment of migrants and the effectiveness of the measures taken to control the crossings. The UK-funded French police’s approach has been criticized for exacerbating the risks faced by migrants, rather than providing them with safe and legal routes to seek asylum.
The record number of Channel crossings is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for a compassionate and coordinated response from both the UK and French governments. The plight of the migrants in northern France is a complex issue that requires more than just increased policing and surveillance; it calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of migration and provides sustainable solutions for those seeking refuge.
As the debate continues over the best way to manage the situation, the migrants caught in the middle continue to risk their lives in search of safety and a better future. The record numbers of Channel crossings are not just statistics; they represent individuals and families facing unimaginable hardships and making perilous journeys in the hope of finding protection and peace.
