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<\/p>\nFrench officials responsible for the Channel coastline have openly criticised the \u00a3660m UK-funded agreement<\/p>\n
(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
French officials have conceded that a new \u00a3660 million UK-funded agreement will have minimal impact, admitting they have “no solution” to prevent migrant boat crossings.<\/p>\n
Local authorities along the Channel coast have openly questioned the \u00a3662 million deal signed last month, which seeks to deploy at least 50 riot-trained officers on beaches and enhance security measures.<\/p>\n
Alain Boonefaes, deputy mayor responsible for security in Gravelines, told La Voix Du Nord: “The money of the British will be used to secure a sector but we only move the pile of sand. It starts from everywhere. It is a subject that must be dealt with at the global level. We have no solution. There will always be an influx of people who want to join the UK.”<\/p>\n
Antoine Benoit, mayor of Audresselles, located nine miles west of Calais, expressed similar scepticism. He said: “We have gendarmes driving all night – it will not change anything.”<\/p>\n
He went on to say he felt “disillusioned” and criticised the lack of meaningful political action, stating: “We are not listened to.”<\/p>\n
The comments are unlikely to satisfy British taxpayers and politicians, particularly as more than 200,000 migrants have made the crossing since records began in 2018. This milestone was reached earlier this month following another surge in arrivals, bringing the total to 200,013.<\/p>\n
However, figures show that crossings this year are running at lower levels than in previous years. So far, 7,380 arrivals have been recorded, representing a 36% fall compared to the same period last year and a 16% reduction from two years ago, reports the Express<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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