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UK, France Sign £660 m Pact After Deadly Channel Boat

5/3/2026

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Story summary
  • The United Kingdom and France signed a three-year security agreement to curb Channel small-boat crossings.
  • Two women in their twenties died when a boat carrying 82 migrants ran aground near Neufchatel-Hardelot, France.
  • Seventeen people were rescued at sea and taken to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
  • French authorities opened a prosecutor’s investigation to determine who organized the crossing.
  • The deal provides up to £501 million for French police and adds £160 million if crossings fall further.