This morning, at least four people lost their lives whilst trying to board a small boat to cross the English Channel. Over 40 others were rescued. Our thoughts are with the friends, family and loved ones of those killed, and with all those impacted by these events. 

 

We understand that this incident occurred as people were attempting to board a boat already in the water. Such embarcations are a direct result of policies pursued by the UK and France which have seen an intensification in the violent interception of people and boats on the beaches of northern France by police officers paid for by the UK. People would not have to wade out in deep water to reach so-called ‘taxi boats’ if it was possible to board safely on beaches - and if safe routes to seeking asylum in the UK, France and across Europe were accessible to all those who need them, people would not need to make these dangerous journeys in the first place.

 

Until there is no longer a need for people to make these journeys, smugglers will continue to evolve their strategies in response to policy changes. France and the UK have further eroded access to safe routes to asylum, leaving people with no other choice but to make dangerous crossings, whilst investing hundreds of millions of pounds in violent operations on the border. Since 2023, the UK has sent at least £472 million of tax payer money to France for border operations, with little transparency over how this money has been spent. This marked a significant increase in funding, and has coincided with the deadliest period on the UK-France border since records began. In 2024, at least 89 people died - including at least 15 children, more than in the previous four years combined. In 2025, at least a further 41 people lost their lives at the border, and to date at least 9 people in 2026.

 

The deaths of these people today must be a wake-up call for authorities on both sides of the Channel. This is an important moment for change, as France and the UK are engaged in ongoing negotiations over the bilateral agreement which secures joint funding for the border. Last week, the UK announced £16.2m in additional interim funding whilst these negotiations were extended for two months - the equivalent of over £2 million per week. This comes amidst a French parliamentary inquiry into joint operations at the border - an essential step towards transparency and accountability, and an example the UK must follow. We call for an immediate halt to all funding for violent border operations and a public inquiry into UK spending at the border. These events must not be hijacked by governments to justify yet more violent and life-threatening policies.

 

As we remember those killed this morning, we urge the UK and France to cease their relentless pursuit of violence, hostility and death. Every week, millions of pounds of UK tax payer money is spent to enforce violent police operations at the border - placing men, women and children seeking safety at risk of serious harm and death. This funding must be redirected to create an asylum system based on humanity, not hostility.

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CONTACT

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Maddie Harris, Director, Humans for Rights Network

Lily MacTaggart, Border Violence Lead, Humans for Rights Network

Katie Hall, Advocacy Lead, Project Play

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>> All can be reached via info@project-play.org