A prominent member of France's governing party has labeled Britain an "El Dorado" for migrants, citing the UK's "very weak asylum policy" as a critical factor in the escalating migrant crisis. Eleonore Caroit, vice president of the National Assembly's foreign affairs committee and a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, highlighted the stark reality of a migration flow that increasingly penalises the UK, particularly in the wake of recent border chaos.
Caroit’s comments arise amidst an alarming surge in irregular crossings, with reports indicating that over 1,194 migrants reached the UK in just one day—an unprecedented figure contributing to around 14,811 crossings in the first five months of 2025, a staggering 42% increase compared to last year. The government, now led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has faced intensifying scrutiny over its inadequate handling of the migration crisis, as discontent swells among the electorate. This dissatisfaction has undeniably bolstered the momentum of right-wing parties, advocating for stricter controls and an end to policies perceived as weak.
British Defence Secretary John Healey has voiced concerns over the complicity of people smugglers, likening their operations to a "taxi service." However, the need for the French government to step up enforcement cannot be overstated—it remains failure on their part that allows such dangerous crossings to proliferate. Caroit's defense of the French police, stating that boats cannot be intercepted once launched, is indicative of a systemic unwillingness to confront the issue head-on, instead advocating for more ineffective legislation and hollow calls for cooperation.
Furthermore, the French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has suggested a revision of laws to facilitate interception in shallow waters, yet skepticism about the true efficacy of these proposals looms. As discussions for a new pilot return agreement advance, the practicalities of implementation remain shrouded in uncertainty amid a backdrop of growing anti-immigration sentiment, leaving doubts about the government's commitment to meaningful action.
Critics of the current policies argue that the overwhelming focus on security and deterrence fails to address the human tragedies unfolding at sea. Advocacy groups demand a pivot towards more humane measures, including the establishment of safe and legal routes for asylum seekers. The heartbreaking deaths of migrants attempting to traverse the Channel serve to amplify calls for an urgent reassessment of policy, with many advocating for a comprehensive migration treaty aimed at facilitating asylum applications at the border rather than relying solely on punitive enforcement tactics.
As both nations confront the realities of migration and the challenges posed by smugglers, the imperative for a robust and integrated approach has never been clearer. The current trajectory highlights the pressing need to navigate not only political and legal considerations but also the pressing humanitarian narratives that are inexorably tied to this ongoing crisis.
Source: Noah Wire Services