Former UKIP MEP Steven Woolfe has suggested the new UK-France border security agreement could be linked to international relations with Donald Trump.
“It is very surprising to hear the news at this time and one wonders if it’s to do with the international relations in a global picture as France and Britain get together to deal with Donald Trump over a variety of issues”, Woolfe told GB News.
He speculated this might be a “quid pro quo” arrangement to address longstanding UK requests.
France and Britain have agreed to extend their border security deal until 2027.
Steven Woolfe said Trump might be behind the proposed arrangement
PA / GB NEWS
The agreement, known as the Sandhurst Treaty, was confirmed during a meeting in northern France on Thursday.
Both nations pledged to strengthen efforts against illegal Channel crossings.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Discarded small boat on the beachGB NewsFrench Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper presented a united front during their visit to Le Touquet.
Cooper emphasised that the fight against illegal migration should be strengthened “both here in northern France between the UK and France” and across Europe.
Woolfe believes French law changes could be crucial in stopping migrant boats crossing the Channel.
“Today’s news, if the law goes ahead and the law is changed, would be very instrumental in stopping the boats finally,” he said.
Steven Woolfe spoke about the decision
GB NEWS
He explained that France has previously claimed they lacked legal authority to intercept boats.
“They have always relied on this idea that they did not have a law in place that allowed them to pull boats back and they had to stay clear,” Woolfe noted.
This has been a significant obstacle to effective enforcement.
During the joint press conference, Retailleau acknowledged some tensions over funding.
“Our discussions are a little harsh when it comes to money,” the French interior minister admitted.
However, he quickly added: “We agree on the objectives and we always manage to come to an agreement in the end.”
The meeting marks a shift from last November, when Retailleau had criticised Britain for trying to “sub-contract” Channel border security to Paris.
At that time, he called on London to do more and urged British authorities to open legal “admission channels” for migrants.
Woolfe, however, urged caution about the practical implementation.
“It would be a fundamental change, but let’s keep an eye on the detail when dealing with the French,” he warned.
Experts note that smugglers and migrants are taking greater risks due to tighter security measures.
The extended treaty represents a renewed commitment to cooperation between the two nations on a persistently challenging issue.
Whether this marks a genuine turning point in Channel migration enforcement remains to be seen.