French Skepticism Mounts Over Darmanin's Channel Migrant Proposal

French citizens and experts have expressed skepticism regarding outgoing Home Secretary Gérald Darmanin's recent proposal to address the ongoing migrant crisis in the English Channel. The proposal, made in Boulogne following a tragic incident where 12 migrant bodies were recovered from the Channel, has been met with widespread dismissal.

Darmanin, who has held his position for four years, suggested a new migratory treaty between the EU and the UK. This proposal comes despite the apparent failure of the existing UK-France deal, which has cost £478 million and involved increased policing efforts along the northern French coast.

The current agreement, which predates Darmanin's appointment, has seen a significant increase in resources, including French gendarmes, police, and naval patrols. However, these efforts have largely failed to stem the flow of migrants attempting to cross the Channel in small boats.

"There should be a causal link between asylum requests and the granting of asylum in the UK"

Darmanin's proposal suggests processing UK asylum requests within the EU, potentially reducing the number of small boat crossings. However, French officials and citizens alike have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of such a measure.

A former Préfet with direct experience in the matter stated, "All it will create is a massive influx of extra migrants, who will justify their arrival by these new official facilities. Assuming the British won't take them all; what do we do with the rejected individuals?"

The situation presents a complex challenge for both French and British politicians. While the small boats crisis is viewed as a regional issue in France, it has become a significant political topic in the UK. Keir Starmer, the UK Labour Party leader, has vowed to address the issue by focusing on stopping the gangs responsible for organizing these dangerous crossings.

The current situation reflects the broader challenges in managing cross-border migration. Since 2018, the number of migrants crossing the Channel in small boats has increased dramatically, from 299 to over 45,000 in 2022. This surge has put immense pressure on both countries' immigration systems and border control efforts.

The UK's asylum system is currently facing a backlog of over 160,000 cases as of June 2023, highlighting the scale of the challenge. Additionally, the UK's withdrawal from the EU's Dublin Regulation, which determined responsibility for asylum claims, has further complicated the situation.

As both countries grapple with this ongoing crisis, it's clear that simple solutions are elusive. The proposed treaty, while potentially beneficial for the UK, is seen by many as potentially exacerbating the problem rather than solving it. As the debate continues, the human cost of this crisis remains a pressing concern for both nations.