Belgian Deputy Police Chief Christiaan De Ridder has called for a naval blockade to stop small migrant boats leaving Belgium from reaching the UK. Speaking on 9 May 2026, De Ridder warned that these vessels must be intercepted before entering French waters, as current policies allow boats to be escorted through to the UK despite being illegal crossings organised by criminal gangs.
De Ridder said: “We have to stop them before they get to the UK. We have to find a way to stop them on the water. If we could put up a naval barrier so they don’t get into French waters, everything would stop.” His comments highlight growing frustration over the French approach of escorting migrant boats into British waters rather than intercepting them earlier.
The recent surge in migrant crossings has caused anger in the UK, where millions of pounds are paid to France to curb the flow, yet numbers continue to rise. Since January, Belgian authorities have arrested over 360 migrants and 40 suspected smugglers. Around 30 small boat attempts have been recorded this year from West Flanders resorts near the French border.
Reports reveal that French police often withdraw after vessels leave Belgian jurisdiction. Although some officers recently took direct action by puncturing a dinghy near Calais, they faced complaints to human rights watchdogs, underscoring the limitations on French enforcement at sea.
Local officials have expressed differing views on the issue. Jean Marie Emmery, Mayor of Dunkirk, dismissed Belgium’s approach as ineffective and instead called for legal changes across Britain, Europe, and Belgium to stem the flow of migrants. Meanwhile, exclusive images have shown migrants boarding boats at Gravelines beach, highlighting the ongoing problem despite promises of increased patrols.
Originally published by UKNIP.
