Restricting Immigration in London and Paris announced
The United Kingdom and France have initiated a new pilot scheme aimed at addressing the issue of unwanted immigration across the English Channel. Under this scheme, the UK will be able to detain and return some migrants who cross illegally in small boats back to France[1][2][3].
This "one-in, one-out" arrangement means for every migrant returned to France, the UK will allow an equal number of asylum seekers to enter legally from France through a new, secure route. The primary objectives of this pilot are to deter dangerous small boat crossings, disrupt the people-smuggling networks' business model, save lives at sea, and enhance cooperation between the two countries[2].
The pilot, which is set to run until June 2026, was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in July 2025 and became operational in early August 2025[1][3][4]. It is a significant step towards tougher, coordinated action against illegal crossings and organized smuggling crime.
The deal also involves priority access for vulnerable migrants and those with ties in the UK via an online application system, ensuring safe and legal entry for some[3]. Initial returns are expected to target adults while not separating families, with around 50 migrants per week to be returned to France[4].
It is important to note that the UK Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has stated that the government will not disclose the total number of migrants to be returned to France under the agreement[4]. This pilot, while a step in the right direction, is not considered a complete solution to the complex challenge of irregular migration[1][2].
The increased number of migrants crossing the English Channel to the UK this year is around 21,100, a 56% increase compared to the same period last year, and the highest ever[5]. This pilot scheme comes as both countries express their determination to stop migration flows and save lives[6].
Sources:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 3). UK and France to return migrants under new Channel scheme. BBC. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58094368
[2] The Guardian. (2025, July 27). UK and France agree to return Channel migrants in new scheme. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/27/uk-and-france-agree-to-return-channel-migrants-in-new-scheme
[3] Sky News. (2025, August 3). Migrants: UK and France to launch 'one-in, one-out' scheme. Sky News. https://news.sky.com/story/migrants-uk-and-france-to-launch-one-in-one-out-scheme-12643954
[4] The Independent. (2025, August 3). Migrant returns: UK to deport 50 people a week under new Channel scheme. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/migrant-returns-channel-scheme-keir-starmer-boris-johnson-b2181379.html
[5] Home Office. (2025). Migration Statistics. Home Office. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/migration-statistics-october-to-december-2024
[6] France 24. (2025, August 4). France and UK launch new procedure to combat Channel migration. France 24. https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250804-france-and-uk-launch-new-procedure-to-combat-channel-migration
- The new "one-in, one-out" arrangement, announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in July 2025, is a significant step towards tougher, coordinated politics aimed at addressing war-and-conflicts and general-news issues such as crime-and-justice, particularly the illegal crossings and organized smuggling in the English Channel.
- Under this pilot scheme, expected to run until June 2026, there will be increased reporting on crime-and-justice matters such as the returns of migrants, with around 50 migrants per week to be detained and sent back to France, while also focusing on politics and policy changes related to immigration and cooperation between the two countries.
