This week, leading populist candidates in London and Paris reached an agreement on a new border framework, potentially setting the stage for an Anglo-French alliance against illegal immigration.
Nigel Farage, head of Reform UK, and Jordan Bardella, president of the National Assembly, held private discussions in London to address their political relationship and, crucially, the migrant crisis in the English Channel.
Reportedly, if Bardella is elected to the Elysée Palace, he plans to permit British patrols to turn back illegal boat migrants to France. This is a significant shift, given that under President Macron, Paris has consistently rejected such pushbacks, citing the safety of migrants who might prefer to jump into the water rather than face repatriation.
As a result, the British Border Force and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute have been compelled to rescue migrants traversing the Channel and bring them to Dover. Most of these individuals then have to apply for asylum in the UK, despite having come from France, which is a developed and safe EU member state.
Since 2018, over 187,000 illegal migrants have made it across the Channel. To complicate matters, London has pledged nearly £1 billion to Paris to boost coastal patrols against smuggling operations.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron agreed on a “one-in-one-out” strategy that would see illegal boat migrants sent back to France in return for the UK taking in asylum seekers from France considered likely to be granted asylum here. However, as of last month, only about 94 such migrants had been returned to France, in stark contrast to the approximately 40,000 who entered the UK this year.
Bardella characterized this arrangement as “a smokescreen,” saying it feels like the “ship is leaking from all sides,” and he advocates for a thorough review.
Bardella, who is just 30, was anticipated to run for president alongside Marine Le Pen, but she has been barred from the election due to accusations of mishandling EU funds. Le Pen argues this decision is merely a legal ploy intended to undermine her influential National Solidarity Party.
Recent polling suggests Bardella might outperform Le Pen, with surveys indicating he could beat all prominent candidates vying for the presidency in 2027.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage enjoys considerable support in British opinion polls, and his Reform Britain Party is expected to do well in the upcoming general election, although that isn’t scheduled until 2029. Farage believes the left-leaning Labour government may fall before then.
“We’ve concluded that we should prepare a political movement to seize power, possibly together,” said Bardella regarding the “patriotic alliance” formed after his meeting with Farage.
“I think Farage will be the next prime minister,” Bardella remarked, adding that he respects Farage as a pioneer who has championed his country’s freedom and independence.
Moreover, Bardella committed to holding a referendum on immigration, suggesting that France could adopt a system like Denmark’s, which largely avoids EU immigration rules. He proposed that asylum seekers should apply while abroad instead of upon arrival in France.
Additionally, the Nationalist government aims to prioritize access to public housing and social services for French citizens over immigrants.
“My ambition is to make France the least appealing country in Europe for mass immigration. If it becomes too difficult to cross the border, that should alleviate issues in Calais,” he stated.
Efforts to strengthen ties between Britain and France might also pave the way for a “patriotic union” in Europe. Although Farage has been hesitant to collaborate with Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, an alliance with Bardella could open up prospects for cooperation with other populist parties across Europe, as suggested by Farage’s long-time associate, former President Donald Trump.
