More than two dozen people have died trying to cross the English Channel from France to England. What a tragedy! Because the number of victims is so high (and tens of thousands of illegal migrants have already risked the dangerous crossing this year), Paris and London cover each other with accusations and allegations. In the United Kingdom, the number of asylum applications received in 2021 is higher than it has been in many years. Of course, there is an urgent need for action, the smugglers must be stopped; of course, the two neighbors - and not just them - must work together to prevent the English Channel from becoming the next mass grave.
It is part of the picture that the relationship between France and the Kingdom is not the best at the moment.
There is arguments about everything from fisheries to big politics.
The spirit of partnership has evaporated after Brexit.
The lines that are devoted to the relationship with London in the coalition agreement of the traffic light parties are dry, almost resigned.
The partnership is invoked;
but what is the common ground that is hoped for?
The British and French could find what they were looking for on the Channel Coast: save lives, bring the situation under control.