French police unions have reportedly opposed a new strategy approved by the Interior Ministry under UK pressure to intercept migrants in small boats leaving French shores.
Police have been urged to use more aggressive tactics, including stopping vessels already at sea in shallow waters, up to 300 metres from the shore.
This strategy is generally avoided by French police because it can lead to death or injury. Security forces tend to intervene on land instead, including by puncturing boats with knives.
Yet pressure is high on France to change its policing strategies. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed when he was elected last year to bring down the number of arrivals by small boats but they increased by 18 per cent to reach more than 41,000 in 2025. Most of them obtain asylum.
At least 26 people have died attempting the crossing, mostly by drowning or asphyxiation in overcrowded boats. Most of the migrants come from the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, Iran and Afghanistan.
An inflatable boat punctured by police lies on the beach at Gravelines, northern France.
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.