Nigel Farage has sharply condemned the recent agreement between Sir Keir Starmer and France regarding migrants attempting to cross the English Channel.
The Reform UK leader questioned the veracity of French assertions about intercepting migrant vessels, claiming that instead of actively preventing crossings, French authorities primarily observe asylum seekers before subtly guiding them toward British waters. He described the collaborative handover of migrants between British and French ships in the middle of the Channel as “ludicrous.”
According to a recording obtained by the Daily Express, French officials are providing life jackets to those attempting the crossing. The recording details how they interact with migrant boats, assessing the number of buoyancy aids before permitting them to continue toward the UK coast.
“I just don’t believe it,” Farage stated incredulously. “We have given France half a billion quid and now the Government are actually giving out lifejackets.”
He further criticized the government’s inaction, highlighting that French authorities appear to be passively witnessing the situation unfold.
When presented with reports suggesting interceptions might begin by late May, Farage responded succinctly: “It won’t happen.”
Farage expressed deep skepticism regarding French promises to curb Channel crossings. “No, no, no, no,” he asserted. “The French navy escorts the boats to a 12-mile line. You can hear them talking on the radios, and Border Force are happy to take them. It’s ludicrous.”
He warned that under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership, the UK is likely to experience unprecedented levels of immigration. More than 700 migrants arrived in Britain via the Channel on Tuesday alone – a record for this year.
Channel crossings are currently over 40 per cent higher compared to last year, with no deportations taking place. Farage emphasized that this situation fundamentally undermines British sovereignty, stating Reform UK’s policy would include:
- Leaving the European Convention on Human Rights
- Repealing the Human Rights Act
- Removing the judiciary’s ability to block deportations based on human rights considerations
Reports indicate that France is equipping migrant vessels with lifejackets amidst the escalating small boat crisis. A recording from a Border Force vessel revealed that a French naval ship provided only 10 lifejackets to a dinghy carrying 60 individuals, including “at least five children and six women.” While the French acknowledged engagement with the vessel, they denied any search and rescue operation.
The total number of arrivals by small boats this year currently stands at approximately 8,888 – a provisional figure representing a 42 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
