Bruno Retailleau visited Calais to address the ongoing migrant crisis and tensions with the UK following a tragic incident that claimed 72 lives. He criticized Brexit’s impact on migration and called for a legal migration pathway. Retailleau announced police reinforcements and plans for a representative to coordinate state actions against illegal crossings. He urged the UK to take responsibility for border security and support local communities affected by the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for effective rescue operations in the Channel.
Bruno Retailleau’s Visit to Calais
During his visit to Calais on Friday, where a tragic incident in 2024 resulted in the deaths of 72 migrants attempting to cross the Channel, the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, addressed the ongoing tensions with the United Kingdom. This visit comes just ahead of an important meeting with his British counterpart.
Retailleau announced that British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is scheduled to visit Pas-de-Calais on December 9. He urged the UK to take responsibility for its border security instead of relying solely on France to manage it.
The Impact of Brexit on Migration
Retailleau criticized Brexit for having severely disrupted migratory relations with the UK government. He emphasized the need for a structured legal pathway for migration, focusing on economic criteria and family reunification. “We face a standoff that we must address. I hope we can avoid a breakdown, but it’s crucial to reform this relationship,” he stated, as he prepares to travel to London on December 10 for discussions aimed at fostering a new partnership between the European Union and the UK.
He further warned, “If progress is not made, we may have to reconsider the Touquet agreements,” which were established between London and Paris in 2003 to regulate border controls in France for those attempting to reach the UK. Alongside Retailleau, Xavier Bertrand, the president of the Hauts-de-France region, condemned the roles of smugglers and the British government in exacerbating the situation, claiming they exploit migrants for economic gain.
Strengthening Security Measures
In response to the ongoing crisis, Retailleau announced significant police reinforcements and the appointment of a dedicated representative for immigration at the ministry. He also revealed plans for a special prefect whose role will be to coordinate state actions along the coast, addressing the thousands of illegal crossings that occur each year.
The minister’s visit marked his first trip to the region since taking office in September, during which he met with local mayors who have expressed their concerns about the overwhelming number of migrants utilizing public transport to reach the coast. To bolster security, over 200 additional personnel will be allocated to various agencies, including the Office for the Fight Against the Illegal Trafficking of Migrants and border police.
Moreover, Retailleau is advocating for the UK to contribute to a compensation fund for local residents and businesses impacted by the migration crisis. He also seeks financial support from Britain for local firefighters, who are increasingly involved in responding to migration-related emergencies.
With the Channel witnessing a disturbing rise in fatalities, including at least 72 since the beginning of the year, Retailleau described this trend as “unacceptable” and a “tragedy.” Advocacy groups assisting those camping along the coast have criticized the current migration policies as “ineffective and deadly,” calling for enhanced rescue operations to prevent the Channel from becoming a site of loss.
Since taking office on September 23, Retailleau has positioned immigration as a pivotal issue within the government, pledging a new legislative approach less than a year after a contentious immigration law was enacted.