UK and France in talks over migrant returns deal

The UK government is currently engaged in discussions with France regarding a new initiative aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of illegal migration across the English Channel. This initiative seeks to establish a framework for returning individuals who have crossed the Channel in small boats without proper documentation. In exchange for accepting these individuals back, the UK would allow legal migrants who are seeking to reunite with their families to enter the country. The French interior ministry has indicated that this plan will operate on a 'one-for-one principle', meaning that for every illegal migrant returned to France, a legal migrant would be permitted to enter the UK. The primary objective of this pilot scheme is to deter smuggling networks and discourage individuals from attempting to make the perilous journey across the Channel. UK Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the French government regarding migration issues, although she refrained from commenting on the specifics of a potential removals deal. Greenwood stated, 'I can confirm that there are discussions ongoing with the French government about how we stop this appalling and dangerous trade in people that's happening across the English Channel. ' The negotiations with France are crucial, as both nations aim to collaborate effectively in tackling the challenges posed by illegal migration. The French interior ministry has expressed its commitment to discouraging both migrants and smuggling networks from attempting to reach the UK. They believe that this pilot scheme could pave the way for a broader agreement on migrant returns among European Union member states. A spokesperson for the ministry elaborated that the scheme is based on a 'one-for-one principle': for each legal admission under family reunification, there would be a corresponding readmission of undocumented migrants who successfully crossed the Channel. Peter Walsh, a senior researcher at the Migration Observatory, commented on the potential effectiveness of this measure, stating that its deterrent effect will largely depend on the number of small boat arrivals that are transferred back to France. He noted, 'In the short term, it won't reduce our responsibility for the number of asylum seekers we take in. ' Walsh expressed hope that if a significant number of individuals are sent back to France, it could create a deterrent effect. In December 2024, a group of individuals believed to be migrants arrived at the Port of Dover after being rescued by the British Border Force. This incident highlights the ongoing nature of the issue, as many individuals continue to attempt the dangerous crossing. In 2023, the UK government committed to providing France with nearly £500 million over three years to bolster efforts aimed at preventing migrants from crossing the Channel in small boats. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the Labour government's plan, asserting that it 'won't work because it will only see small numbers of illegal immigrants returned to France. ' He argued that the majority of individuals crossing the Channel illegally would ultimately be allowed to remain in the UK, thus undermining the deterrent effect of the proposed scheme. Philp also pointed out that the previous Conservative government's Rwanda deportation plan had served as a more effective deterrent, but it was halted due to legal challenges. Reform UK MP Lee Anderson emphasized that rather than negotiating agreements regarding migrants, the focus should be on securing and closing the borders. He argued that such a strategy would be more effective, less costly, and simpler. A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats expressed support for a migrant returns scheme, stating that it would be a positive step towards ending dangerous crossings. They criticized the Conservative government for failing to adequately address the issue of small boats. The Green Party has also been approached for comment on the matter. In 2023, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his intention to pursue an EU-wide returns agreement, but no such deal has materialized since Labour's victory in the general election last year. It is anticipated that an EU-wide agreement may face resistance from certain European countries, such as Hungary, which has adopted a stringent stance on migrants. The UK government has primarily focused on targeting people-smuggling gangs as a means of reducing illegal migration, which remains one of Labour's most significant challenges. Earlier this year, the government announced a series of measures aimed at combating people smuggling, including the introduction of a new criminal offense for endangering the lives of others at sea, punishable by up to five years in prison. Ministers have emphasized that there is no single solution to the issue of illegal migration, and the latest scheme is just one of several options being considered. Recent data from the Home Office revealed that 705 migrants arrived in Dover on a single day, bringing the total for 2025 to 8,888 individuals, representing a 42% increase compared to the same period last year. A spokesperson from the Home Office stated, 'The prime minister and home secretary have been clear that the UK and France must work closely together to prevent dangerous small boat crossings, particularly on vital law enforcement cooperation. ' The UK government has already secured an agreement with France to deploy a new elite unit of officers to the coast, establish a specialized intelligence unit, increase police presence, and grant new powers to French authorities to intervene in shallow waters. The UK is intensifying its collaboration with France and other European nations facing similar challenges by exploring innovative measures to dismantle the operations of criminal smuggling gangs.