French Police Criticized Amid Costly UK Channel Deal

French police are facing criticism for their limited intervention as more migrants, including families with children, attempt dangerous Channel crossings to the UK. Despite a £480 million deal between the UK and France to reduce such crossings, French officers often watch from the shore without intervening, due to legal and safety constraints, particularly when children are present and boats are already afloat. Harrowing incidents have been reported on beaches near Calais and Dunkirk, where overloaded dinghies depart while police stand by. French authorities cite laws that restrict police action in shallow waters, though new powers are reportedly under consideration. Critics argue that French efforts remain insufficient despite the substantial funding, while the UK government calls for more effective action. Nearly 15,000 migrants have arrived in the UK this year, with numbers expected to increase over the summer.