- Britain and France are negotiating to renew a crucial migration agreement aimed at curbing small boat crossings, which is set to expire at the end of March.
- The current arrangement, valued at £478 million, was put in place by the previous Conservative government in 2023.
- Despite the significant investment, small boat crossings have increased, with over 4,100 arrivals recorded so far this year.
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly advocating for a new agreement that includes performance-related clauses, linking funding to the proportion of boats intercepted by French authorities.
- A Home Office delegation is currently in Paris for negotiations, with Downing Street emphasising the need for 'long-term value for money' in any successor deal.
IN FULL