France has agreed to deploy drones to monitor migrants crossing the Englihs Channel, after meeting yesterday with Home Secretary James Cleverly.
Legal constraints had previously prevented the technology from being used but French courts have finally authorised their use.
It is thought that the use of drones will make a huge difference in tackling people-smugglers promoting the dangerous journey across the Dover Strait.
They are already used in English waters but are to be used by French officials for the first time.
James Cleverly and Gérald Darmanin met for talks yesterday
Home Office
During talks in Paris yesterday, the Home Secretary and French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin discussed the work that has been taken to tackle illegal migration.
It comes as 2024 marks the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, which brought a new age of UK-French relations.
The Home Secretary also praised French law enforcement who said they have been able to reduce the number of small boats reaching the UK by 36 per cent in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Cleverly also said he would commit the UK to the continuation of the sharing of security experience and expertise to support France’s preparations for the Olympics.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said: "The UK and France are friends, neighbours and partners. Our cooperation against the full range of security threats and challenges is vital for both our countries and for Europe.
"France is an essential partner to prevent illegal migration. The UK continues to support the challenges faced by French law enforcement, operating under increasingly difficult circumstances to save lives and disrupt organised criminal gangs. Their commitment is exemplary, and the results are impressive.
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The Home Secretary met with Gérald Darmanin
Home Office
"I want to thank my friend Gérald Darmanin for his continued leadership and support in tackling the small boat crisis and pledge to see our countries continue to work closely together, not least as France takes on the challenge of hosting the Olympics this summer."
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said: "In the follow-up of 2023, France and the UK will deepen their cooperation, which is essential in the very intense fight against violent and reckless smugglers’ networks.
"They will also continue calling for a UK-EU agreement on migration issues so as to better manage illegal as well as legal migration.
"Besides, their joint action will also cover the security of major upcoming events this year, with a particular focus on the Summer Olympics. The dialogue between our two countries should also help improve the fight against radicalisation as well as crimes committed online."
Earlier this month, five migrants died in an attempt to cross the English Channel in freezing temperatures.
The number of boats reaching the UK dropped by 36 per cent last year
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Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said the "heartbreaking" deaths of four migrants as they tried to cross the English Channel showed "we’ve got to stop the boats."
A Home Office spokesperson said: "The recent fatal incidents in the Channel are a tragic reminder of the human cost of these dangerous crossings.
"It is imperative to dismantle the organised criminal gangs responsible, whose action is increasingly violent and inhuman.
"Since May 2023, the UK and France have worked even more closely together in northern France, with UK liaison officers permanently based in Lille and in Calais, enhancing information exchange at working level between our countries in order to prevent crossings and investigate organised criminal groups."