French Police Criticized for Inaction on Asylum Seekers Amid Policy Changes

Recently, French police have been seen on the shores of Calais, a key location for migrants trying to enter the UK, but they have not intervened to stop asylum seekers arriving in small boats. Photographs reveal an officer taking pictures of the sea, likely to monitor migrant activity, while another image shows a young man running past two officers who appeared oblivious and did not attempt to stop him.

The French Government has proposed that officers will be able to intercept boats operating within 300 meters of the beach. Although this policy has not yet been implemented, discussions are underway to alter current regulations regarding the control of migrant crossings. Some politicians, including Marc de Fleurian from Marine Le Pen’s National Rally party, advocate for a more forceful approach, suggesting a collaboration between the British and French navies to prevent boats from reaching the UK.

While France has maintained that it would not take action within its waters to avoid endangering lives, the ministers endorsing the new measures asserted that they will comply with international maritime laws. An official announcement regarding these changes is anticipated around the Anglo-French summit scheduled for early July, during which French President Emmanuel Macron will meet with UK leaders. So far, over 18,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel this year, marking a significant rise compared to the previous year and the highest volume since 2018.