What Is In The UK's New 'Groundbreaking' One-In, One-Out Migrant Deal With France?

Best mates? Prime Minister Keir Starmer greeting French President Emmanuel Macron at 10 Downing Street last month.Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer are launching their new deal which is meant to clamp down on illegal migrant crossings today.While the agreement will only be run on a trial basis for the next 11 months, detentions are expected to start within a matter of days, with removals kicking off in a few weeks.Here’s what you need to know.What is in the deal?The UK and France will be ratifying their one-in, one-out returns policy on Tuesday after it was announced last month.It means any undocumented person entering the UK on a small boat can now be detained immediately and returned to France.The deal will only apply to people who try to enter the UK from here onwards, rather than those who came across prior to this ratification.The UK has to accept just as many migrants from France in exchange, albeit through a new asylum route.Anyone who has tried to get to Britain illegally will not be let in.Those who have family connections in the UK will also be prioritised.Previous reports suggested the plan would allow up to 50 small boat migrants – arriving in the UK via the English Channel – to be sent back to France every week.That works out to 2,600 a year. That may sound like a lot, but it is still just a tiny fraction of the 35,000 arrivals who touched down in Britain after crossing the Channel last year.However, home secretary Yvette Cooper – who has described the deal as “groundbreaking” – told Sky News this morning that “the numbers will start lower and then build up.”She refused to say how many could be sent back, saying that would give operational information to people smuggling gangs who could work around the figures.These migrants will then be returned to locations across France, away from its northern coast.If they tried to return to the UK again, they would be identified through biometric details and sent back once more.According to past reports from The Times, the limited trial scheme is meant to return about 800 migrants to France by the end of 2025.The deal will run for 11 months, but it’s not clear what will happen after that.Starmer is also expected to announce a further crackdown on illegal working by migrants in the UK which is often perceived in France as a “pull factor” for those wanting to make the dangerous journey across the Channel.All foreigners in the UK will also need to secure a digital ID through the government’s e-visa system, to prove that they have the right to live and work here.This will be checked by immigration enforcement officers carrying mobile biometric kits.The EU and the European Commission support the agreement, according to the UK.This photo provided by the Prefecture Maritime du Nord et de la Manche shows migrants continuing their journey to Britain off northern France coast, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Is this a good deal?The prime minister needs this deal to work, having repeatedly promised to “smash the people-smuggling gangs” – only for Channel crossings to go up since he was elected.This deal also marks the first time France has actually agreed to take back migrants since the crisis began in 2018.But, if crossings continue at the same rate, it means just one in 17 migrants would be returned during the limited trial scheme. An average of 843 migrants have arrived in the UK per week since Labour were elected. That works out to a staggering 43,842 in total.As Labour look to win back voters after a pretty disastrous first year in office, they are hoping to take the wind out of Reform UK’s sails by stopping the boats.If it proves effective, this deal could be the ideal way to show up Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, considering his right-wing party is so focused on reducing migration.A typical morning in the English Channel. pic.twitter.com/A5LJLVNaJM— Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) July 10, 2025There’s also pressure on Starmer to act as anti-immigration protests grow across the summer, with demonstrations taking place outside hotels thought to be housing asylum seekers.However, the prime minister has said the scheme is “not a silver bullet”, but he hopes it will deter people from making the dangerous journey.What’s the downside?It’s set to cost the British public purse £100 million as the government invests in increased enforcement against the gangs.It was also previously reported that the taxpayer will have to fund processing hubs in France as well as legal fees and the transportation and security costs.And that’s on top of the £770 million the UK has sent to France over the last 12 years to stem the steady flow of illegal migration the UK.There were previously fears that operational problems could arise too.The Tories’ Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: “The Rwanda removals deterrent, under which 100% of illegal arrivals would be removed, was ready to go last summer but Labour cancelled it just days before it was due to start with no proper replacement plan.“As a result, this year so far has been the worst ever for illegal immigrants crossing the Channel.”However, it’s worth remembering this is not the only part of the government’s plan to deter people from coming across the Channel.Ministers intend to target people smugglers with sanctions and crack down on social media adverts.The government has also promised to work with companies to reduce the illegal work often promised to migrants.Related...Darren Jones Admits He Was Wrong To Say Most Migrants On Small Boats Are 'Children, Babies And Women'Starmer Says Illegal Migration 'Unfair' On Working People And Migrants'Deeply Troubled': Britain's Most Senior Judge Slams Starmer And Badenoch Over Migrant Comments

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