The United Kingdom and France are increasing security measures along key northern French coastlines to combat a shift in migrant smuggling tactics involving larger inflatable boats, officials announced on Thursday. The move follows a rise in attempts to cross the English Channel from sites west of Calais, France, as smugglers adapt to intensified patrols near traditional departure points.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to hold a bilateral meeting at Downing Street, during which they will discuss joint efforts to address the evolving challenge. As part of the response, a surge team of 45 additional officers will be deployed to critical launch areas including Le Touquet, Berck, Le Treport, and Dieppe, bolstering the existing force of nearly 1,050 officers positioned along the French coastline.
Officials have noted that criminal networks have shifted some departure locations westward following increased French law enforcement activity around the Calais and Dunkirk regions. There, smugglers reportedly compel migrants to spend extended periods—up to 18 hours—on inflatable dinghies, often making multiple pickups from different beaches before attempting the Channel crossing.
Recent incidents have underscored the scale and risks involved in these operations. Authorities have identified a dinghy carrying 173 people that sank off Boulogne after departing Dieppe, and another vessel carrying a record-breaking 230 migrants was detected navigating the Channel. This surpasses the previous record of 165 individuals on a single craft.
Home Office sources suggest the use of larger boats, referred to as “mega-dinghies,” has increased due to difficulties smugglers face in transporting vessels and engines into northern France. Despite the ongoing challenge, total crossings since the start of 2026 have declined sharply, with 16,391 migrants entering the UK via small boats—a 43 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
Prime Minister Burnham emphasized the necessity of maintaining momentum and vigilance, stating that the progress achieved reflects effective bilateral collaboration but warning against complacency. “Smuggling gangs are constantly adapting their tactics,” he remarked, highlighting the cross-border nature of the issue and the importance of coordinated action to restore border control and disrupt criminal exploitation of migrants.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood highlighted the increased deployment of officers as a factor contributing to the recent downturn in successful crossings. Conversely, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the government’s stance, attributing the reduction to adverse sea conditions rather than policy measures.
The two leaders’ talks aim to reinforce joint strategies and explore further cooperation as they seek to manage migration flows across the Channel while addressing humanitarian and security concerns.