Overview
- Home Office data highlighted by Civitas show French police prevented 8,521 crossings (38%) in the 13 weeks before the deal versus 4,635 (28.7%) after.
- Recorded arrivals to the UK fell modestly over the same periods, from 13,920 before the deal to 11,518 after it took effect.
- A pledged tactic for French forces to stop boats within 300 metres of shore has been delayed or reversed because of safety concerns.
- The Home Office says joint UK–French operations intercepted more than 20,000 people in the past year and it is seeking further measures with France to stop boats entering UK waters.
- Fewer than 100 people have been removed under the scheme since August and two deportees reportedly returned by small boat before being removed again, as critics including Chris Philp and Civitas question the deal’s impact.