STORY
Two specialist French police units have been deployed in northern France under a UK-France agreement aimed at stopping small boat crossings. The Government said the Compagnie de Marche and a new dedicated riot unit are now operational on French beaches ahead of the summer period.
The Home Office said the deployment would involve 125 specialist officers and reservists working to disperse migrant groups, pursue criminal smugglers and prevent launches. Ministers said the deployment follows wider international cooperation against organised immigration crime, including recent action in Germany involving boats and engines.
Starmer said closer work with France was necessary to tackle illegal migration, while the Government said almost half of attempted crossings were stopped by French authorities last month. The policy remains politically sensitive, with ministers under continuing pressure to reduce Channel crossings.