Calais crisis: UK and France set to agree strategy today

A strategy to tackle the migrant crisis in Calais is set to be agreed by the UK and France today.

Home Secretary Theresa May will join her French counterpart, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, at Coquelles on the edges of Calais to discuss a deal. Insiders expect it will include tighter security measures.

They will also meet with aid associations to discuss humanitarian support for the migrants.

This summer thousands of migrants have attempted to travel to the UK through the Channel Tunnel from makeshift camps around Calais.

Earlier this month, the UK pledged to add €10m (£7m) to a fund desginated to secure the port of Calais. The fund was established in September 2014 and was initially granted €15m (£10.5m) over three years.

Today's meeting comes after officials said yesterday that the number of migrants arriving at the EU's borders is at a record high. Germany has seen a surge in migration from Syria as people flee ISIS. The German government now expects to receive up to 750,000 asylum seekers this year.

Last year the UK received 31,400 asylum applications, the majority of which were refused.

related articles
\'I prayed for him and I knew he\'d met God\'. Retired vicar\'s ministry to Calais migrants
'I prayed for him and I knew he'd met God'. Retired vicar's ministry to Calais migrants

'I prayed for him and I knew he'd met God'. Retired vicar's ministry to Calais migrants

Calais: How the migrant crisis shames Britain, and what we ought to do about it
Calais: How the migrant crisis shames Britain, and what we ought to do about it

Calais: How the migrant crisis shames Britain, and what we ought to do about it

Songs of Praise in Calais: Finally the media listens to migrants themselves

Songs of Praise in Calais: Finally the media listens to migrants themselves

Songs of Praise in Calais: Migrant priest fears for his family if his face is shown

Songs of Praise in Calais: Migrant priest fears for his family if his face is shown

UK Church leaders attack Government for Calais failures
UK Church leaders attack Government for Calais failures

UK Church leaders attack Government for Calais failures

News
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology
Pastor considers legal action after arrest over comments on Islam and transgender ideology

The Alliance Defending Freedom warns of more such arrests if the government introduces its much-maligned definition of 'anti-Muslim hatred'.

Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?
Why do Christians observe Shrove Tuesday?

17 February 2026 is Shrove Tuesday, the traditional day for eating pancakes before the start of Lent. This is the story …

CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs
CoE announces £400,000 to get young people into choirs

Most CoE choirs currently have no children involved.

Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal
Christian social worker who lost job offer over marriage and sexuality beliefs wins appeal

A Christian social worker whose offer of a job was withdrawn over public comments he made about marriage and sexuality has won his case at appeal.