UK officers are now embedded with French cops following months of talks, allowing more ­real-time intelligence on migrants’ movements.

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The first joint patrol took place just before Christmas, but the British officials are acting as observers only.

They are not allowed to use the powers they have in the UK, such as arresting someone for a criminal act.

The green light was given to the patrols following sensitive negotiations surrounding France’s sovereign right to defend its own territory.

It comes after UK teams were sent into police control rooms in northern France to monitor people smuggling rings and the launch of boats by traffickers hoping to cross the Channel.

Yesterday, the first boat of the year carrying migrants was brought to shore at Dover.

A record 45,756 people made the crossing last year.

PM Rishi Sunak has vowed to bring in legislation that will make it clear that anyone entering the UK illegally should not be allowed to remain on our shores.

He unveiled a five-step clampdown which included ending the asylum applications backlog by the end of next year and deploying hundreds of additional staff to monitor boats crossing the Channel.

A dedicated unit will also handle claims from Albanians who have formed the largest group of illegal migrants ­making the dangerous journey across the Channel.