UK-France Small Boat Deal

The multimillion-euro pact will see a 50% increase in the deployment of French riot police on beaches near Dunkirk to prevent boat launches.

Charities have warned that the 'violent tactics' funded by the UK could push migrants into even more dangerous crossing attempts.

The agreement comes as the government faces intense pressure to reduce the number of arrivals ahead of local elections.

While ministers hail the deal as a critical breakthrough, critics argue that without safe legal routes, the crisis in the Channel will continue to claim lives.