France's commitment to tackling the Channel migrant crisis has been called into question after it emerged that French taxpayers' money was used to fund a film that offers advice on how to reach the UK. The revelation comes just weeks after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood allocated £662 million of British public funds to France to prevent asylum seekers from risking their lives crossing the English Channel.
Controversial Film Funding
The documentary, titled Tomorrow UK Inch'Allah, was produced with the support of France 3, a French television channel funded by taxpayers, and France's publicly owned film agency, which provides creative grants of up to €100,000 (£86,500). In a behind-the-scenes clip, director Thomas Grandrémy is seen speaking to a would-be migrant, advising him: 'You know how it works? When you are in the middle of the sea, you call 999. Then UK rescue will come.'
The film's release coincides with the arrival of the 200,000th Channel migrant since the start of the small boat crisis, intensifying scrutiny on whether Paris is doing enough to curb the flow. Critics argue that the funding undermines joint efforts to stop illegal crossings.
Political Reaction
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed outrage, telling the Sun on Sunday: 'It is disgraceful that this French film director is encouraging illegal immigration.' The criticism highlights tensions between the UK and France over border security, despite the recent financial deal aimed at boosting enforcement.
Belgium's Tougher Stance
In contrast to France's approach of escorting migrant boats into British waters rather than intercepting them, Belgium has adopted a more aggressive strategy. Deputy Chief of West Flanders Police, Christiaan De Ridder, has called for a 'naval barrier' to stop small boats leaving Belgian waters. 'If we could put up a naval barrier so they don't get into French waters, everything would stop,' he said. Since January, Belgian authorities have arrested 40 suspected smugglers.
Last week, some French police took decisive action by slashing a migrant dinghy on a beach near Calais, but they were subsequently reported to a human rights watchdog for their actions.
UK Government Response
A Home Office spokesperson defended the UK's efforts, stating: 'This Government is bearing down on small boat crossings. The Home Secretary has signed a landmark new deal with France to boost enforcement action on beaches and put people smugglers behind bars. This builds on joint work that has stopped over 42,000 illegal migrants attempting to cross the Channel since the election.'
It is understood that calling 999 does not affect the likelihood of rescue, as Channel migrants are typically tracked by UK Border Force regardless.
