The UK has signed a new three-year agreement with France worth £662 million to combat illegal small boat crossings in the English Channel.

The deal will fund French police operations aimed at preventing migrants from making the dangerous journey across the Channel. As part of the agreement, at least 50 riot-trained police officers will be deployed to tackle violence and what officials described as "hostile crowds."

The funding represents a continuation of previous bilateral arrangements between the two countries to address the ongoing migration challenge. The agreement spreads the financial commitment across three years, with the money designated specifically for anti-migrant operations conducted by French police forces.

This latest deal adds to the substantial sum already committed by the UK to French authorities for Channel security measures. The arrangement reflects ongoing diplomatic cooperation between London and Paris on migration control, despite the persistent challenge of unauthorized crossings.

The agreement comes as both governments face pressure to reduce the number of people attempting the hazardous Channel crossing in small boats. French authorities will use the funding to enhance their capacity to intercept boats before they reach UK waters.