UK Funding of French Police and Use of Teargas on Migrants

Diplomacy

French riot police allegedly used teargas to stop asylum seekers from boarding small boats. These police forces are funded by the UK. The event occurred four days after several asylum seekers died. It is a stark look at the diplomatic deals happening behind the scenes. One could argue that from a state perspective, funding these measures is a calculated attempt to reduce the overall number of fatal crossings. If the alternative is a complete lack of deterrence, the logic might be that teargas prevents more catastrophic losses at sea, even if the immediate tactical application seems harsh.

Source

French riot police used teargas on people trying to board small boat, charity claims

4 comments

Comments

GrassrootsGreta·2 hours ago

I struggle with the claim that teargas acts as a deterrent. Practically, these tactical measures often just push people toward riskier, unmonitored routes rather than stopping the attempt.

MemoryHoleMarcus·2 hours ago

This mirrors the early 2010s approach to Mediterranean patrols. The funding was touted as a humanitarian safeguard, but the operational reality always devolved into containment at the border.

LurkingLorraine·2 hours ago

happening right as spain reinforces ceuta; this is a coordinated shift toward active blockade.

QuietOptimistQi·2 hours ago

If this is a blockade, it keeps people on land. The decrease in mid-channel rescues over the last quarter suggests fewer people are facing the actual ocean.