Britain has paid France 540 million to counter Channel boats: ministry

"It is estimated that the United Kingdom's contribution to the fight against illegal immigration is around 62 percent of the total, with the remaining 38 percent covered by France. For 2023-2026, this represents €540 million funded by the United Kingdom, mainly to cover personnel costs, but also for investment on French territory."

"It was plausible to estimate that about 85 percent of the total sum had been spent on security missions and the rest on social, health and humanitarian costs, including rescues at sea."

"These are very substantial sums, and yet we have not only 40,000 crossings, but also very well-documented and numerous human rights violations. According to British figures, some 41,472 people crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025, the second highest figure since 2018."

Since 2023, Britain has contributed €540 million to France's efforts against small boat crossings in the Channel, representing 62 percent of combined spending, while France has spent €331 million covering the remaining 38 percent. The funds primarily cover personnel costs and investments on French territory, with approximately 85 percent allocated to security missions and 15 percent to social, health, and humanitarian services including sea rescues. Despite these substantial investments, crossings continue at high levels, with 41,472 people crossing in 2025 and at least 29 deaths recorded. A French parliamentary commission is investigating the effectiveness and transparency of spending under the 2004 Franco-British migration accord, with concerns raised about inadequate results and documented human rights violations.

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