UK to pay France in boats deal

Under the terms of the renewed partnership, France will increase its coastal policing presence by more than 50%, deploying 1,400 officers by 2029.

The agreement includes plans for a dedicated riot squad trained to disperse hostile crowds attempting to board vessels on French beaches.

Home Office officials stated that a portion of the funding will be withheld unless specific reduction targets in Channel crossings are met.

Critics have questioned the long-term effectiveness of the deal, which brings the total UK spend on French border enforcement to over £1 billion.