What's happened
Recent days have seen a spike in migrant crossings and deaths along France’s Pas-de-Calais coast. Over 60 migrants were rescued overnight, with 17 deaths reported this year. France and the UK are intensifying efforts, including deportations under a new 'one-in, one-out' agreement, amid ongoing dangers and political pressure.
What's behind the headline?
The recent spike in crossings and deaths underscores the persistent dangers of small boat migration across the English Channel. The UK-France 'one-in, one-out' deal, which involves deportations and legal routes, aims to reduce these crossings but faces significant challenges. The high number of fatalities—17 so far this year—reflects the perilous nature of these journeys and the limits of current policies. The UK’s focus on deterrence through deportations and legal pathways may slow the flow but is unlikely to fully stop determined migrants. The political context, including rising anti-immigrant sentiment and the influence of far-right parties, drives a hardline approach that may not address root causes. Long-term solutions will require addressing economic disparities and international cooperation, but immediate efforts will likely continue to focus on enforcement and deterrence, with fatalities expected to remain high.
What the papers say
The AP News articles highlight the recent surge in crossings and fatalities, emphasizing the dangerous conditions migrants face and the increased enforcement efforts by France and the UK. AP reports that over 60 migrants were rescued overnight, with 17 deaths this year, and details the difficult conditions law enforcement faces, including hostility and violence from migrants. The Independent provides context on the UK-France deportation scheme, noting the first family was returned under the 'one-in, one-out' agreement, and discusses the political implications, including rising anti-immigrant sentiment and the impact on UK politics. Both sources agree that the crossings are perilous and that the new policies are part of a broader effort to deter illegal migration, though they acknowledge the ongoing risks and fatalities. The AP articles focus on the immediate rescue and death tolls, while The Independent offers insight into the political and policy responses, illustrating a complex and contentious migration crisis.
How we got here
The increase in migrant crossings stems from longstanding issues of migration from France to the UK, driven by economic and political factors. The UK’s efforts to curb crossings include new agreements with France, aiming to deter dangerous journeys and manage migration more effectively. The recent surge in attempts and fatalities highlights the ongoing risks and the political urgency to address them.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s New with UK and US Immigration Policies Amid Rising Migrant Numbers?
As migration continues to rise in both the UK and US, governments are adjusting their border policies to manage the influx. Recent developments include the UK’s deportation scheme for Channel migrants and ongoing debates about border security and migrant rights. Curious about how these changes affect migrants and border communities? Below, we explore the latest updates and what they mean for everyone involved.
More on these topics
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Pas-de-Calais is a department in northern France named after the French designation of the Strait of Dover, which it borders. It has the most communes than any other department of France, 890, and is the 8th most populous.
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Boulogne-sur-Mer (French: [bulɔɲ syʁ mɛʁ] ; Picard: Boulonne-su-Mér; Dutch: Bonen; Latin: Gesoriacum or Bononia), often called just Boulogne (UK: , US: ), is a coastal city in Northern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department of Pas-de-Calai