FreBritish Officials Accuse France of Running a ‘Taxi Service’ for Migrants in the English Channel
The French Navy has come under fire after reportedly refusing to rescue 60 migrants from a dinghy filling with water near its coastline, instead calling on the UK Border Force to take them to Britain.
French Officials Shadow Migrant Boat for Hours
The packed rubber dinghy, carrying mostly men, was first spotted 1.3 miles from the French coast at 5:50 AM. French authorities monitored the vessel as it struggled through rough waters, but did not intervene despite migrants shouting for help and waving their hands.
According to radio communications, the French Navy contacted UK Border Force around four hours later, notifying them that the boat was taking on water and requesting assistance.
Radio Exchange Reveals Tension Between UK and French Officials
A recorded exchange on an open public radio system, which could be heard by any boat in the area, showed the UK authorities reluctant to enter French waters.
The conversation went as follows:
French official: “Do you have a rib [rigid inflatable boat] to clear the situation if possible?”
UK Border Force: “Regarding sending our rib into French water… If possible, it would be preferred if you could launch your rib on your side, and if there is any distress, we will come into French waters. But yeah, are you able to launch your rib over?”
Eventually, the French navy deployed a boat to escort the migrants nine miles into British waters, where they were then handed over to UK Border Force and taken to Dover.
Criticism Over ‘Taxi Service’ for Migrants
Observers and officials have slammed the French approach, arguing that their refusal to rescue the migrants forces Britain to take responsibility.
One witness at the scene described the incident as a “complete taxi service”, adding:
“The French said these migrants were distressed and needed help. But they didn’t rescue them. Instead, they asked Britain to do it.”
“When Britain wasn’t keen, the French simply escorted them even further into British waters. It’s appalling.”
Another source added:
“This is evidence of the French not wanting to help the migrants but making sure they reach Britain instead.”
Record Numbers of Migrants Crossing the Channel
The controversy comes as new figures reveal a sharp increase in migrant crossings compared to last year:
3,224 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year—8% higher than the same period in 2024.
Since Keir Starmer took office, 26,466 people have arrived via small boats—an average of 55 per day.
In the first four days of March alone, 1,168 migrants made the dangerous journey, including 326 just yesterday.
This marks the first time this year that over 1,000 people have arrived in a four-day period, according to Home Office data.
Growing Tensions Over UK-French Cooperation
The UK and France have an agreement in place to combat illegal crossings, with Britain committing millions in funding for increased French patrols. However, incidents like this have led to renewed frustrations, with critics arguing that France is not doing enough to prevent the crossings.
With migrant numbers continuing to rise, pressure is mounting on the UK government to strengthen border controls and review existing agreements with France.
