The United Kingdom and France sign a new agreement to stop illegal immigration through the English Channel

British Home Secretary Priti Patel said that under the agreement, the number of officers patrolling French beaches would double, and new equipment would be used, including drones and radar.

London: Britain and France signed a new deal to try to stop illegal immigration across the canal on Saturday, to ramp up patrols and technology in hopes of closing a dangerous route for migrants to try to reach the UK on small boats.

British Home Secretary Priti Patel said that under the agreement, the number of officers patrolling French beaches would double, and new equipment would be used, including drones and radar.

This year, hundreds of people, including some children, have been arrested crossing into southern England from makeshift camps in northern France - sailing one of the world's busiest shipping routes in overcrowded inflatable boats. Some immigrants have drowned.

In a statement, Patel said the agreement marked a step forward in the couple's mission to make crossing the canal unviable.

"Thanks to more police patrols on French shores and the strengthening of intelligence sharing between our security and law enforcement agencies, we are already seeing fewer immigrants leaving French shores," she said.

She added that the UK and France plan to continue close dialogue to reduce immigration pressures at their common borders over the next year.

Patel told British media that French authorities have prevented 5,000 migrants from traveling to the UK so far this year. She said that over the past 10 years, the UK has given France 150 million pounds to tackle immigration.

She said that the authorities' recent focus on stopping small boats means that they are now seeing more migrants trying to cross the Canal via trucks, and that border security in France has been tightened to try to stop this.

 

Patel said Britain is also planning to introduce a new asylum system with legislation next year.