The UK and France are discussing a radical post-Brexit returns deal ahead of a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron – but the agreement has sparked alarm in southern Europe
The UK is locked in talks over a migrant returns deal with France ahead of Emmanuel Macron’s state visit on Tuesday.
Keir Starmer and the French President are trying to hammer out a one-in-one-out deal – but hopes of announcing it this week may have been scuppered by outcry from other European nations. Under the plans, people who arrive in small boats would be returned to France in exchange for Britain accepting people with a legitimate case to join their families.
But Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Spain have all voiced concerns, arguing that people returned to France could in turn end up being sent back to other EU nations. Mr Macron will become the first European leader to receive a lavish state visit since Brexit as the Government seeks to reset relations with its nearest neighbours.
The two leaders are expected to confirm a new protocol which will see French police intercept small boats in shallow waters. This will see officers permitted to stop vessels within 300 metres of the shore.
On Monday a No 10 spokesman said: “Our joint work with the French is stronger than it has ever been and we very much look forward to welcoming President Macron for a historic state visit this week.
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“That relationship is key to a number of issues, and we expect to make good progress on a wide range of priorities, including migration, growth, defence and security, which will deliver on the interests of both the British and the French public.”
The spokesman declined to comment on specific deals ahead of the summit, but added: “We expect to make good progress on a wide range of our joint priorities, including on migration. The French are our closest partner on tackling the global threat of organised immigration crime.”
So far this year 20,600 people have arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel by small boat, a rise of nearly 50% compared to last year. The Government is desperately seeking an agreement that will allow the UK to return them to mainland Europe.
The UK had legal powers to do so before Brexit, and Mr Starmer has said reaching a new returns agreement is a top priority. But the five southern European states have voiced their alarm over the proposed new deal between the UK and France.
They have written to the European Commission saying it raises “serious concerns”. In their letter they demanded clarifications on whether they would be affected – as EU rules mean France could return migrants to countries they previously passed through.
Last week French police were filmed using a knife to puncture an inflatable boat in a sign of new tactics being employed. The No10 spokesman appeared to suggest a new approach had not yet been rolled out.
Speaking in the Commons, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she wants to see French authorities change their rules as soon as possible. The No10 spokesman said there was no “silver bullet” to stop small boats arrivals.
“We’ve never shied away from the scale of the problem we face,” he said. “These gangs are organised, criminal and international. Their tentacles stretch across borders and continents and for almost a decade they have been allowed to embed their global smuggling networks almost unchecked.
“That’s what we’re intent on changing.”
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