RISHI'S £478M DEAL: I SAID WE WOULD STOP BOATS

PM's 'big step forward' to end crossings after charm offensive wins over Macron

- Michael Knowles

IN AN extraordinary deal struck with Britain's historic rival, Rishi Sunak has declared a "big step forward" in ending the Channel migrants crisis.

'We have taken a big step forward'

He won the support of France's President Macron, adding last night: "I said we would stop the boats."

The PM agreed that Britain will pay £478million over three years to fund a new detention centre near Dunkirk and 500 more beach patrol officers plus extra drones and surveillance equipment to detect the people traffickers. Clearly delighted with the hard-won agreement, despite the high cost, Mr Sunak said: "I said we would stop the boats. We have taken a big step forward to do just that, working closely with our French allies and friends."

He told the Daily Express: "It's so important for the country we get this right." The leaders revealed they are taking "our co-operation to an unprecedented level to tackle this shared challenge".

The Express understands Paris is expected to pay "five times" the UK contribution, so the deal could eventually total around £3billion.

Migrants found living illegally in France will be taken to the detention site and held until they can be returned to either their home country or to a transit country using European arrangements.

Sources said the UK contribution to the Dunkirk facility is around £26million. UK Border Force officers will be based permanently in France under the deal.

Mr Sunak said: "Emmanuel and I share the same belief: criminal gangs should not get to decide who comes to our countries. Within weeks of my coming into office, we agreed our largest-ever small boats deal. And today, we've taken our co-operation to an unprecedented level.