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.
This story is from the March 11, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 11, 2023 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Aston Martin's turnaround goes into £139million reverse
ASTON Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll's turnaround of the luxury car marque has shifted into reverse, after worse-than-expected first-quarter losses of £138.8million.
SAN-SATION
Unwanted United winger Jadon shows his worth as Germans take advantage
BIG ANGE WON'T CHANGE TUNE DESPITE DODGY SET LIST
Boss turns to Billy Joel to hit back at his critics
LEW HOPING FOR NEWEY CHAPTER
Hamilton may be joined by design legend
RON'S GONE
Bingham ends O'Sullivan’s dream of an eighth crown
HEARTBROKEN FAMILY PAY TRIBUTE TO 'WONDERFUL CHILD'
Man charged with murdering 14-year-old schoolboy Daniel Anjorin
Penny 'in talks with MPs to replace Rishi as Tories braced for local polls bloodbath
PENNY Mordaunt has had \"detailed discussions\" with a number of senior Right-wingers about replacing Rishi Prime Sunak if the toppled, it is claimed.
Christie: My voice defies the dementia
SINGER Tony Christie says fans tell him his voice is \"better than ever\" despite his devastating dementia diagnosis.
Girls snubbing mixed-sex toilets hit by infections
GIRLS have developed urinary tract infections by refusing to use their school's genderneutral toilets, Kemi Badenoch has said.
Police given £192,000 for Madeleine inquiry
Lifeline as her 21st birthday approaches