France agrees to stop migrant boats at sea after pressure from Starmer

French police will intercept small boats at sea in an attempt to stop migrants crossing the Channel, according to reports.

A document seen by French newspaper Le Monde, signed by four prefectures in the north of France, agrees that maritime police will start “planned operations” to intercept the dinghies. The push-backs will start initially at sea, and then be conducted in the “inland waters” of ports and channels, the paper reported.

Sir Keir Starmer reportedly sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron putting pressure on him to act on small boat crossings. The letter, quoted by French media, says: “It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month…We have no effective deterrent in the Channel”.

This is a developing story. More to follow…