More patrols promised as UK and France to sign Channel deal to curb migration

Rishi Sunak’s government has reached a deal with France to increase cooperation over asylum seekers and migrants using small boats to cross the Channel, with UK officers joining a beefed-up programme of French beach patrols.

The arrangement, signed on Monday morning, promises a 40% increase in the number of patrols to try to detect small boats about to make the voyage from France, with UK personnel taking part for the first time.

It also includes extra investment in port infrastructure in…