Migrant crossings cast shadow on Starmer-Macron summit

Britain and France are friends again following the rancour of Brexit, but the record number of irregular migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats remains a major point of friction.

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LONDON -

The issue will feature during a state visit to Britain by French President Emmanuel Macron that starts on July 8, and new measures to curb the dangerous journeys are expected to be announced on July 10 following talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

More than 21,000 migrants have crossed from northern France to south-east England in rudimentary vessels in 2025, providing a massive headache for Mr Starmer as the far right soars in popularity.

Images of overloaded vessels leaving French beaches with law enforcement officers appearing to just watch on exasperate British politicians and the unforgiving tabloid press.

"We pay for French cops' buggy, 4x4s and drones, but migrants still sailing," complained The Sun newspaper on July 2, in a reference to the so-called Sandhurst Treaty.

The 2018 agreement, that runs until 2027, sees Britain finance actions taken in France to stop the migrants.

Mr Starmer, who led his Labour Party to a sweeping victory in an election in 2024, has vowed to "take back control" of Britain's borders.

But in the first six months of 2025, there was a 48 per cent increase in the number of people arriving on small boats compared with 2024, with the government blaming extended dry weather.