French efforts have been labelled “dismal” and “disappointing” as it was revealed that less than half of Channel migrants had been detained this year, despite a £480 million arrangement with Britain to curb crossings.
According to official estimates, the French have detained 13,759 migrants (or 45.2%) since January.
The figure is down 45.8 percent from the same period last year, when it was 17,032.
This year has seen fewer attempted crossings, which is assumed to be owing in part to unfavourable weather.
In March, Rishi Sunak agreed to a three-year £480 million pact with France as part of his commitment to halt small boats.
Tim Loughton, a former minister and a member of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, told The Telegraph: “These figures are very disappointing given the huge investment of resources funded by the British taxpayer, which we have been assured has led to enhanced patrols and therefore much better interception rates.
“Clearly we are paying more money for the French police to continue failing to stop even more migrants on the beaches before they get into the water.
“We need an immediate value for money assessment of exactly what the British taxpayer is getting for their money.”
Natalie Elphicke, the Tory MP for Dover, added that it was a “dismal” record.
She called for the French to agree to joint patrols with the UK on French beaches, which Paris has resisted.
It comes days after it emerged the EU has rejected a migrant returns agreement with Britain.
More than 17,000 people have made the dangerous journey from France so far this year.
The Prime Minister has made curbing Channel crossings one of his top five priorities.