Restricting immigration in London and Paris announced
In a bid to tackle the rising issue of irregular migration across the English Channel, France and the UK have joined forces to launch a new pilot scheme. The initiative, dubbed a 'one in, one out' arrangement, aims to deter dangerous and politically sensitive crossings by allowing for faster returns to France and controlled legal entry[1][2][3].
Under this pilot project, migrants arriving illegally via small boats who cannot prove family connections to the UK will be detained and quickly returned to France. In exchange, the UK will accept asylum seekers qualifying through safe, legal channels with biometric checks[1][2]. This scheme sets a precedent for returning Channel crossers, which UK officials describe as a breakthrough against irregular migration.
The scheme is designed to deter dangerous crossings amid rising numbers. Over 21,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK so far in 2025, marking a 56% increase year-on-year[1][2]. The scheme requires legal review and EU approval but is expected to launch shortly.
The UK government hopes this pilot will undermine the promises made by smugglers about safe arrival or work in the UK, as the system will no longer tolerate illegal arrival. It also signals a unified effort between the two countries, applying new tactics and intent to "turn the tables" on irregular migration[1][2].
However, the underlying causes driving small boat crossings are complex. Increased enforcement on other irregular routes and more professional smuggling gangs are contributing factors[4].
The goal of the pilot project is to prevent tragedies that occur when boats sink during the crossing. Many migrants have lost their lives during these crossings. The new agreement allows the UK to send migrants, who crossed the Channel in small boats with the help of smugglers, back to France.
France's Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, has reaffirmed France's determination to stop migration flows and save lives. France plans to deport migrants based on their first countries of entry in the EU. The UK, on the other hand, has not disclosed the total number of migrants to be returned to France under the agreement, with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stating that not revealing the total number could prevent criminal gangs from exploiting the situation[1][2].
The pilot project marks a significant step forward in the UK's long-standing efforts to curb unwanted immigration across the Channel. The UK has provided millions to bolster coastal surveillance with additional officers and modern technology in France. The UK government remains committed to ensuring the safety of all those attempting the dangerous journey across the Channel while addressing the root causes of irregular migration.
[1] BBC News, "UK and France to launch Channel migrant returns pilot", 2025. [2] The Guardian, "UK and France to launch 'one in, one out' scheme to tackle Channel migrant crossings", 2025. [3] Sky News, "UK and France to launch pilot scheme to tackle Channel migrant crossings", 2025. [4] The Independent, "The reality behind the record number of migrants crossing the English Channel", 2025.
- The 'one in, one out' arrangement between France and the UK, as part of their policy-and-legislation, aims to address general-news issues such as irregular migration across the English Channel by deterring dangerous crossings and implementing controlled legal entry.
- As the pilot scheme progresses, it is anticipated that the UK will review both the crime-and-justice aspects of the operation, such as potential exploitation by smugglers, and the corresponding positive impact on politics, as this project represents a unified effort between the two countries to tackle irregular migration.
