UK and France Sign Small Boats Deal

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signed the pact in Dunkirk, describing it as 'good value for money' for British taxpayers.

The agreement aims to break the business model of people-smuggling gangs by increasing beach patrols and deploying new surveillance technology.

However, charities have warned that the deterrence policies may not work, as many migrants face even greater risks in their home countries.

The deal also includes a controversial provision that could see UK funds handed over to France even if the number of small boat arrivals fails to decrease.