Reform UK has maintained that its agreement with France’s National Rally regarding the return of migrants to British shores was completely authorized by the party and endorsed by its president, Jordan Bardella. The accord, presented on Friday by Nigel Farage and Bardella, has generated substantial controversy in France, as its terms appear to conflict with long-standing National Rally policy opposing the acceptance of individuals who arrive in the UK via small boat crossings from French waters.
Political figures across the French spectrum have criticized Bardella for signing the arrangement. Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad accused him of “submission” contrary to French interests and sovereignty. Some French media outlets have suggested that Bardella may have been misled by Reform, raising questions about whether the French translation accurately reflected Farage’s intentions regarding migrants transported by small boat. A Reform spokesperson countered these claims, asserting that Bardella and the presidential team had signed off on the policy, which appeared in both French and English versions, and confirming both parties’ full commitment to the arrangement.
The central dispute centers on the language contained in the memorandum of understanding presented by Farage for Bardella to sign during a public event in Birmingham. While both the English and French texts state that the UK will intercept boats launched from French waters and that France will return passengers to their countries of origin, the English version includes an additional phrase indicating that “France will ordinarily accept these persons.” This phrasing suggests Bardella was committing France to accepting returned individuals, contradicting the National Rally’s established position. The National Rally has denied any controversy, characterizing the text as a preliminary declaration of intent subject to future refinement.
Opposition politicians in France have vocally condemned Bardella’s participation in the signing ceremony. Multiple critics, including former and sitting officials from centrist and centre-left parties, questioned Bardella’s ability or willingness to defend French interests against Farage’s demands. One MP described the episode as a display of French weakness, while others characterized the arrangement as placing France in the role of “Britain’s subcontractor.” In response, Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, described Reform’s deal as “a complete farce,” suggesting the party lacks substantive policy development.
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