Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has agreed a significant Channel migrant deal with France’s hard-right National Rally (RN) party. This provisional pact outlines a strategy to return small boat migrants crossing the English Channel. The agreement was unveiled today at Reform’s annual conference in Birmingham.
The proposed memorandum of understanding asserts that the United Kingdom will intercept boats launching from French shores. These vessels, once in British territorial waters, would then return their occupants to France. Crucially, France would “ordinarily accept” these individuals. Subsequently, they would face repatriation to their home countries according to French law.
Jordan Bardella, RN President, signed the document during the conference. His party currently leads French opinion polls ahead of next April’s presidential elections. Bardella declared an RN government would strive to prevent France becoming a gateway for illegal migration into the UK. He also hailed Farage as the UK’s potential next prime minister, pledging future cooperation.
Farage described the accord as a “historic document” that would “stop the boats forever.” He believes it eliminates incentives for paying traffickers, effectively breaking their business model quickly. Furthermore, Farage likened the agreement to a “new Entente Cordiale,” referencing the 1904 Anglo-French diplomatic agreements.
When challenged on the word “ordinarily” in the agreement, Farage dismissed it as “legalese,” implying no major obstacles. This new Channel migrant deal development follows Reform UK’s August announcement of a plan to use the Royal Navy for migrant returns. France had previously criticised this specific proposal. Farage has actively cultivated closer ties with Bardella since a London meeting last December.
Meanwhile, RN leader Marine Le Pen aims to run for the presidency in 2027. She has expressed her desire to make Bardella prime minister if her party secures power. Her path to candidacy cleared recently after an appeal court upheld a conviction but shortened her sentence.
