Keir Starmer Targets Small Boat Crossings in Key Talks with Macron

Keir Starmer Pushes France to Detain and Return Small‑Boat Migrants During Macron State Visit

For the first time, migrants arriving in the UK via small boats will be detained and swiftly returned to France, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced as he prepares to host French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit.

Macron’s Three‑Day Visit

President Macron arrives Tuesday for the first full state visit by a French head of state since 2008. Hosted by King Charles III, Macron will join Starmer for a Franco‑British summit later this week, where small‑boat crossings top the agenda.

“Breaking the Smugglers’ Business Model”

“This Government is breaking the business model of criminal smuggling gangs and securing our borders,” Starmer said. He is pressing Macron for stronger cooperation in preventing Channel crossings—including a potential “one in, one out” agreement, exchanging migrants intercepted at sea for UK‑linked asylum seekers in Europe.

New Maritime Tactics Under Discussion

Ministers have urged France to allow its border police to act in shallow coastal waters, rather than waiting until boats reach land. Last week, French officers used a knife to puncture an inflatable vessel after launch—a tactic still under review. A Number 10 spokesman said:

“We are the first Government to secure French agreement to review their maritime tactics so their enforcement teams can intervene in shallow waters. This is operationally and legally complex, but we expect it to be operationalised soon.”

Record Channel Crossings

The state visit coincides with a new high in crossings: 21,117 people have arrived via small boats this year, according to PA analysis of Home Office data—an annual record at this point.

Broader Diplomatic Agenda

Beyond migration, Starmer and Macron will convene the “coalition of the willing” summit, aimed at planning a peacekeeping mission for Ukraine should a ceasefire emerge. Starmer spoke with President Zelensky on Monday, promising an update on coalition planning.

Domestic Political Reactions

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged Starmer to leverage the visit to form a united front against US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“It’s time to make clear to Trump that we will not take his playground bullying and divide‑and‑rule tactics lying down,” Davey said, calling for protection of British jobs and economic certainty.

Keir Starmer/X