UK, France agree on $576 mln deal to combat illegal migration

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Mar 2023 17:24

The deal will be used to finance the deployment of 500 French security and support agents "to enable the fastest detection of attempted crossings" by small boats, as per a joint statement issued by both countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shake hands during a joint news conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Friday, March 10, 2023 (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)

Following a joint summit between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, France and the UK agreed on Friday on a $576 million deal to combat illegal immigration across the English Channel.

The deal will be financed over the next three years and will be used to finance the construction of a new detention center for migrants in France.

It will also finance the deployment of 500 French security and support agents "to enable the fastest detection of attempted crossings" by small boats, as per a joint statement issued by both countries.

The two leaders held a joint summit on Friday after years of tensions that followed the Brexit vote.

Relations have also been tense due to a submarine deal between France and Australia which was suspended due to Australia favoring boosting its relations with AUKUS allies.

"The level of ambition of this plan is exactly what we need," Macron said, adding, "this is not an agreement between UK and France but between UK and EU."

On his part, the British premier said the UK "will always comply with our international treaty obligations."

The summit resulted in the production of a 19-page joint statement. The two leaders agreed on effecting a number of decisions, including in the field of enhancing defense capabilities, the joint production of future cruise missiles, and the provision of equipment and munitions to Kiev.

They also vowed to increase support in training Ukrainian marines in the UK, and pursue "security guarantees" for Ukraine "to defend itself long-term and to block potential future attacks," the joint statement said.