Britain will pay France up to 660 million pounds - 892 million dollars - for a three-year deal to prevent illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel. Funding depends on results: if it fails, the money stops after one year.

The numbers are clear: over 41,000 people crossed the Channel and reached England by boat in 2025, nearly matching the 2022 record.

What does the money buy?

About 500 million pounds goes to strengthening police forces on northern French beaches - 1,100 police officers, intelligence operatives and military personnel. A new police intervention unit with 50 officers, expanded judicial police teams, drones, two helicopters, a new vessel and 20 additional maritime officers.

The British government claims that joint action with France has already prevented over 42,000 crossing attempts since Keir Starmer's Labour government came to power in July 2024.

But the core issue does not change: one country is paying another to guard its coast. The model has existed for years, the money keeps growing, and the boats keep coming. Is the solution more police or something entirely different?