Chris Murray MP Speaks in Commons Debate on UK–France Small Boats Agreement
There was a Commons Chamber debate yesterday following the Home Secretary’s statement announcing the UK-France agreement to tackle small boat crossings. RAMP Principal Chris Murray MP (Lab) took part in the debate.
Chris Murray noted that the rise in small boat crossings followed the UK’s departure from the EU without a returns agreement and asked the Home Secretary to confirm whether accepting returns from outside the EU is unprecedented. They welcomed renewed cooperation with France and asked for clarity on the success criteria, potential scaling, and future implications for UK-EU relations if the new pilot scheme proves effective.
The Home Secretary said the UK will develop the small boats agreement with France over time, building on past security co-operation such as juxtaposed controls and border checks. She emphasised that working together with neighbouring countries facing similar challenges is the most effective way to strengthen border security.