French Report Criticizes UK's Efforts on Small Boat Migrant Crisis

The UK has been criticized by a French audit for not sharing sufficient intelligence on Channel crossings by small boats.

The Court of Accounts in France describes the shared information as basic and broad, calling for more specifics on boats and engines used by smugglers.

The UK Home Office contests the report, citing it as outdated and not reflective of the current joint efforts. Although the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) claims a strong partnership with French authorities, the French report deems the informational exchange imbalanced.

Britain has allocated almost £500 million for France to bolster coast patrols in Calais, resulting in nightly operations with additional police and reservists equipped with advanced technology. The NCA meanwhile is intercepting the smuggling supply chain further upstream in Europe.

Despite the reported inequality in intelligence sharing, UK officers have joined forces with the French Gendarmerie along the coast. The Home Office reports successful prevention of crossings, with numerous arrests of smugglers and boat pilots.

The NCA has also seized numerous boats and engines. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged to double the number of French officers and enhance beach surveillance technology.