Calais
Coverage of Calais in the Nexus archive.
- FRANCE-UK: On the beach as migrants try to cross the Channel
Warm weather and calm seas have increased migrant crossings from northern France to the UK. Migrants from Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, and Uganda attempted but failed to board a small boat near Gravelines. On June 18, 2026, 392 migrants reached the UK in small boats, with 10,244 recorded so far this year.
- On the beach with migrants determined to cross Channel to UK
Sunny weather and calm seas have led to a surge in migrant crossings from northern France to the UK via small boats. The UK has pledged 767 million euros to France over three years to bolster coastal policing, but migrants continue to attempt the journey, having already traversed multiple borders in pursuit of a better life in the UK.
- France outage leaves 68,000 homes without power as record heatwave spreads north
A record-breaking heatwave caused a power outage affecting 68,000 homes in France's western Brittany region. The national weather agency issued a red alert for extreme weather across most of the country, including the Calais area.
- France pushes for EU action on Channel migrant crossings
France is urging the European Union to take action on migrant crossings through the English Channel. Migrants attempted to board an inflatable dinghy on the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, to reach Britain.
- France, Britain extend 'one in, one out' migration deal
France and Britain have extended their 'one in, one out' migration agreement. French gendarmes are assisting migrants on inflatable dinghies attempting to cross the English Channel from northern France to reach Britain.
- Lone children held at UK-run detention centres in France 284 times last year
Lone children were held at UK-run detention centres in France 284 times last year, according to Freedom of Information data. Over four years, about 900 instances of unaccompanied minors being detained at British short-term facilities near Calais and Dunkirk were recorded. Refugee charities described the numbers as 'shocking'.
- Two women die in attempted Channel crossing from France to UK
Two women died when a boat carrying 82 people encountered engine trouble and ran aground near Calais, France, according to French authorities. The incident occurred during an attempted Channel crossing from France to the UK.
- Four people die in Channel small-boat sinking
Four people died when a small boat sank in the English Channel between France and the UK. French authorities in Calais stated the situation is still under assessment following the incident.