French police puncture migrant boats at sea for first time

French police have adopted a new tactic to stop migrant boats crossing the Channel by puncturing their dinghies. This took place near Boulogne-sur-Mer and forced many migrants, including women and children, to abandon their journey to the UK as the boats sunk.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called this approach a “different” and “welcome” strategy. It aims to enhance intervention in shallow waters within 300 meters of the shore.

This tactic coincides with a record number of arrivals in the UK, with 20,422 migrants reported this year. Cooper is also pushing for stricter laws to hold migrants accountable in fatal incidents and prosecute those involved in overcrowding.

The French are expected to formally announce these changes at the upcoming Anglo-French summit when Macron is in the UK for a three-day state visit