LONDON, United Kingdom – The UK Home Office says joint operations with France have prevented more than 46,000 attempted small boat crossings of the English Channel since the current government took office, rejecting online claims that French authorities are failing to tackle the issue. Okay News reports that the Home Office said enforcement efforts have intensified despite seasonal increases in attempted crossings. The department also announced that the Home Secretary has signed what it described as a landmark payment-by-results agreement with France. The arrangement is intended to strengthen enforcement along French beaches, disrupt people-smuggling networks and support efforts to prosecute those involved in organising illegal crossings. Officials said the government remains committed to reducing illegal migration by strengthening border security, expanding cooperation with international partners and removing incentives that encourage irregular migration to the United Kingdom.