French Police: ‘Ordered to Do Nothing’ as Migrant Boats Launch

A shocking GB News report reveals French police admitting they are under orders to do nothing to stop migrant boats launching for the UK, even as Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp witnessed an illegal crossing attempt firsthand. This comes despite the UK paying France hundreds of millions of pounds annually to prevent such events.

Millions Paid, Zero Action

In an extraordinary moment captured by GB News, French police officers openly stated they have received orders not to intervene when migrants launch small boats destined for the English Channel. This stunning revelation occurred on a French beach, where Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp was present as an illegal launch was actively taking place.

The United Kingdom currently funnels substantial sums into France, with recent commitments including £662 million over three years, specifically earmarked for increasing police patrols, enhancing surveillance, and disrupting people-smuggling gangs. The objective is clear: to reduce the number of dangerous and illegal small boat crossings. However, the scene witnessed by Philp paints a very different picture of how these funds are being utilised on the ground.

Shadow Home Secretary Confronts Inaction

Chris Philp, who became Shadow Home Secretary in November 2024, found himself feet away from a migrant boat launch. He directly challenged the French Gendarmes present, who confirmed their instructions to remain passive. Philp also confronted individuals on the dinghy, asserting, “You are breaking the law. You are attempting to enter the UK illegally.” Despite his intervention and the obvious illegality, French police made no move to halt the departure.

“The French police are standing aside, doing absolutely nothing at all to stop this re-embarkation. We are only knee-deep in water, and it would be very easy for the French police to stop this dinghy.”

— Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary, GB News

This incident raises critical questions about the efficacy of the Anglo-French agreements and the accountability of the funds provided by British taxpayers. If French authorities are explicitly ordered not to prevent launches, the entire premise of these multi-million-pound deals is undermined.

The Broader Implications

This footage will undoubtedly fuel public anger and political debate. The UK’s financial contributions are meant to secure the border, yet the evidence suggests a policy of non-intervention by those on the front line. Charities have previously warned that increased UK funding for French policing tactics might not reduce crossings and could even increase them.

• French police admit orders to not stop migrant boat launches.
• Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp witnessed the inaction firsthand.
• UK provides hundreds of millions to France for border security.
• Illegal launch occurred mere feet from police presence.
• Questions arise regarding the effectiveness of UK-France agreements.

This revelation exposes a fundamental flaw in the current strategy to combat illegal Channel crossings. The British public is paying a hefty price for border security that, on the evidence presented, is simply not being delivered by French authorities. This situation demands immediate and transparent answers from both governments.

Source: GB News | Breaking Brexit News