"Negotiations over plans to revamp the three-year, 480m deal remain deadlocked, despite the involvement of ministers including Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary."
"Paris remains concerned that UK demands could put the lives of asylum seekers at greater risk, highlighting the tension between interception goals and safety."
"UK officials insist any lapse in the agreement will not result in a cliff edge, and that people-smuggling gangs will still face action on French beaches."
"Mahmood is seeking to link the next three years of funding to an increase in the number of small boat interceptions and a more regular flow of information."
Negotiations between the UK and France regarding a £480 million deal for beach patrols are deadlocked. The UK demands increased French interventions to disrupt people-smuggling gangs, while France fears for asylum seeker safety. The deal, set to expire soon, has seen UK officials assert that any lapse won't hinder actions against smuggling. NGOs express concern over the lack of agreement. The current arrangement sees the UK covering nearly two-thirds of the patrol costs, with calls for more transparency on interceptions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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