The ‘one-in, one-out’ pilot scheme could see some adult migrants who make the Channel crossing at risk of return if their claim for asylum is considered inadmissible
A major treaty between the UK and France attempting to tackle dangerous Channel crossings is set to come into force tomorrow.
The “one-in, one-out” pilot scheme could see some adult migrants who make the crossing at risk of return if their claim for asylum is considered inadmissible. In exchange, people with a legitimate claim to live in Britain will be sent in their place under the treaty, which remains in force until June 2026.
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron reached the agreement last month during the French President’s state visit to the UK. It was agreed the scheme would begin as a pilot and is the first returns deal struck with France since Britain left the European Union. It comes after Nigel Farage appearances on Sky News sparked thousands of complaints.
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Keir Starmer said: “This government has been fixing the foundations of the broken asylum system we inherited and today we send a clear message – if you come here illegally on a small boat you will face being sent back to France.
“This is the product of months of grown-up diplomacy delivering real results for British people as we broker deals no government has been able to achieve and strike at the heart of these vile gangs’ business model.
“The days of gimmicks and broken promises are over – we will restore order to our borders with the seriousness and competence the British people deserve.”
Ministers have previously declined to say how many migrants could be returned. But reports have suggested the pilot will be capped at 50 a week – around 2,600 each year.
The Home Office said ratification of the treaty comes after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau signed the final text last week.
They said the EU Commission had also given the green-light to the scheme, which Ms Cooper described as “groundbreaking”.
She said under the deal “people who undertake illegal, dangerous journeys to the UK – putting lives at risk and fuelling organised crime – can be returned to France”.
She added: “In return, we will take people who apply legally with appropriate documentation to be transferred to the UK, subject to clear eligibility criteria and stringent security checks.
“This is an important step towards undermining the business model of the organised crime gangs that are behind these crossings – undermining their claims that those who travel to the UK illegally can’t be returned to France.”
“It is also right to make clear that – while the UK will always be ready to play its part alongside other countries in helping those fleeing persecution and conflict – this must be done in a controlled and managed legal way, not through dangerous, illegal, and uncontrolled routes.”
On Monday the Home Office also announced a £100million boost to border security to pay for up to 300 additional National Crime Agency Officers. The cash will also fund a pilot of the ‘one-in, one-out’ returns deal with France.
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