Le Touquet Border Agreement: What You Need to Know

The Le Touquet Border Agreement, also known as the Treaty of Le Touquet, is a bilateral treaty between France and the United Kingdom that was signed in 2003. The agreement was aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of border control and immigration.

Under the agreement, the British government funded the construction of a new border control facility in Calais, France. The facility is staffed by UK border officials who can conduct passport checks on people attempting to board ferries or trains bound for the UK. Similarly, French border officials are stationed in the UK to conduct checks on people travelling from the UK to France.

The agreement also established a Joint Intelligence Cell in Calais, which allows British and French officials to share intelligence on people suspected of trying to cross the English Channel illegally. The agreement further includes provisions for the deportation of illegal immigrants from the UK back to France.

The Importance of the Le Touquet Border Agreement

The Le Touquet Border Agreement has been in the spotlight in recent years due to the growing number of migrants attempting to cross the English Channel from France to the UK. The agreement has been instrumental in preventing illegal migrants from entering the UK through Calais.

Prior to the agreement, Calais was a magnet for illegal migrants who were attempting to enter the UK by stowing away on lorries or trains. The construction of the new border control facility and the stationing of UK border officials in Calais has significantly reduced the number of illegal crossings.

The agreement has also helped to strengthen the relationship between France and the UK in the area of border control and immigration. The Joint Intelligence Cell in Calais has enabled the two countries to work together to combat illegal migration and has led to the arrest of numerous people-smugglers.

The Future of the Le Touquet Border Agreement

The Le Touquet Border Agreement has been the subject of much debate in recent years, particularly in the wake of the Brexit referendum. Some commentators have suggested that the agreement should be renegotiated to reflect the new relationship between the UK and the EU.

However, both France and the UK have indicated that they are committed to the agreement, and have emphasized the importance of cooperation in the area of border control and immigration. It is likely that the Le Touquet Border Agreement will continue to play a significant role in ensuring the security of the UK`s borders for many years to come.

In conclusion, the Le Touquet Border Agreement is a vital bilateral treaty between France and the UK that has played a crucial role in strengthening cooperation in the area of border control and immigration. The agreement has been instrumental in preventing illegal migrants from entering the UK through Calais and has helped to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Despite the challenges posed by Brexit, it is likely that the agreement will continue to play a key role in ensuring the security of the UK`s borders in the years to come.