French riot police deployed to northern France under a £660 million UK-France border security agreement are authorised to use water cannon against asylum seekers, according to informed sources. Get today's headlines by email The revelation has sparked criticism from refugee advocates, who argue that the tactic would represent a significant escalation in efforts to prevent small-boat crossings of the English Channel. Riot Units Deployed to French CoastTwo specialist French police units, including a 50-officer contingent from the Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS), have begun operations along the northern French coast ahead of the busy summer migration period. Sources familiar with the arrangements said CRS officers are permitted to request the use of water cannon, CS gas and batons under their public-order powers when responding to disturbances or attempts to launch boats. The deployment forms part of a broader package of measures agreed between London and Paris aimed at disrupting people-smuggling networks and reducing irregular Channel crossings. Concerns Over Use of Water CannonWater cannon are capable of firing powerful, high-pressure jets that can knock people to the ground. Their use is banned on the British mainland, where concerns over safety and the principle of “policing by consent” led then home secretary Theresa May to rule out their deployment in 2015. They remain available to police in Northern Ireland and were used there last week during anti-immigration disturbances near Belfast. Refugee charity Care4Calais condemned the possibility of their use against migrants in France. Chief executive Steve Smith said such a move would amount to an escalation of state violence against refugees and questioned why the UK would support tactics that are prohibited in Great Britain. Starmer Highlights Cross-Channel CooperationPrime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployment of the French units during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains on Wednesday. Starmer described the specialist teams as part of a landmark agreement designed to deepen cooperation between the two countries in tackling irregular migration. The UK government said the CRS unit had received specialist training in crowd-control operations and would help respond to increasingly aggressive tactics used by people smugglers. Scrutiny of CRS TacticsThe CRS has previously used water cannon during public-order operations in France, including after celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League triumph earlier this month. Officers were also photographed in Calais and Dunkirk last year using CS gas and batons while attempting to stop migrants and smugglers reaching boats in shallow waters. The force has faced controversy in the past. Earlier this year, nine CRS officers were convicted of assaulting peaceful demonstrators during the 2018 “gilets jaunes” protests. Separate reports have highlighted allegations of racism within the unit. Wider Border MeasuresThe border security package also includes plans for a detention facility, expanded maritime interception tactics and a 40% increase in officers deployed on French beaches. According to Downing Street, enhanced joint operations prevented 40% of attempted Channel crossings in May. Nevertheless, 2,726 people reached Britain by small boat during the month, around 1,000 fewer than in May of the previous year. Home Office sources said funding for the CRS deployment would come from the French government, although the deployment itself was agreed as part of the bilateral deal. Officials stressed that operational policing decisions remain the responsibility of French authorities. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 18 June 2026
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