UK and France launch plan to return migrants and reduce unauthorized Channel crossings
The UK and France have announced a new migration deal aimed at curbing illegal crossings of the English Channel by small boats, known as the "one-in, one-out" pilot scheme. The agreement, signed last week by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, allows the UK to detain and return up to 50 migrants per week who arrive illegally on small boats to France [5]. In exchange, France will accept the same number of asylum seekers from France who have legitimate claims or UK family ties, allowing them legal entry to the UK [1].
The deal, which came into force on August 5, 2025, is designed to disrupt criminal gangs involved in people smuggling and is framed as a "proof of concept" to manage migration more effectively [4]. Migrants arriving illegally will be detained upon arrival in the UK and returned to France, while the UK will admit asylum seekers from France who pass security and eligibility checks and have not attempted illegal crossings [2].
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has presented the agreement as a diplomatic victory, following years of faltering cooperation between France and the UK on the politically sensitive issue of migration. The deal signals a cooperative approach between Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, contrasting with previous UK governments that failed to secure such a return agreement [6].
However, the agreement has drawn criticism from refugee advocacy groups. They argue that the focus on deterrence and returns potentially endangers refugees, making journeys more dangerous without addressing the underlying causes of migration or providing adequate protection and dignity to those seeking asylum. Critics call for solutions that prioritize international law compliance and human rights rather than enforcement alone [3].
According to Home Office analysis, 80 percent of migrants arriving via small boats told officials they used social media during the process [7]. To address this, the UK government plans to make it an offence to promote on social media dangerous immigration routes into the UK, including via the Channel. Those found advertising such crossings could be fined and face up to five years in prison.
The treaty governing the pilot scheme will remain in force until June 2026, with both countries committed to regularly reviewing the process. The UK Home Office has pledged £100 million (€86.9 million) for law enforcement, including additional manpower and technology, to tackle gangs organizing the Channel crossings [8].
Anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters have clashed outside hotels housing asylum seekers in Britain in recent weeks, with some demonstrations turning violent. The number of migrants making the dangerous journey this year has crossed 25,000 at the end of July, marking the highest ever tally at this point in the year [1].
The deal has been met with criticism in northern France, with some officials stating it is too favorable to the UK. However, the UK's hard-right Reform UK party believes the agreement does not go far enough to secure Britain's borders [9].
The new provision will be part of a border security bill making its way through the parliament. With UK authorities operationally ready, migrant detentions are expected to begin within days under the new scheme.
References: 1. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-58104091 2. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/05/uk-france-migrant-deal-keir-starmer-emmanuel-macron 3. https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/uk-france-migrant-deal-risks-endangering-lives-and-flouting-international-law 4. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-france-agree-new-approach-to-tackle-irregular-migration 5. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-france-migrant-deal-to-return-asylum-seekers-to-france-if-they-cross-channel-in-small-boats-5vkjrkq0x 6. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-france-agree-deal-curb-migrant-crossings-english-channel-2025-07-10/ 7. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/05/uk-france-migrant-deal-users-of-social-media-to-be-prosecuted-for-promoting-illegal-routes 8. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/uk-to-spend-100m-on-border-security-as-migrant-deal-is-agreed-with-france-5vkjrkq0x 9. https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-farage-reform-uk-brexit-party-migration-border-controls/
- The new migration deal between the UK and France, signed by Yvette Cooper and Bruno Retailleau, aims to curb illegal crossings of the English Channelvia small boats with the "one-in, one-out" pilot scheme, allowing the UK to detain and return up to 50 migrants per week who arrive illegally.
- As part of this agreement, France will accept the same number of asylum seekers from France who have legitimate claims or UK family ties, permitting them legal entry to the UK.
- Critics, including refugee advocacy groups, argue that the focus on deterrence and returns could endanger refugees, as journeys become more dangerous and underlying causes of migration are not addressed.
- Despite the criticism, the deal is part of a border security bill making its way through the parliament, with migrant detentions expected to begin within days under the new scheme.
- Concurrently, the UK government plans to make it an offence to promote dangerous immigration routes on social media, with potential penalties of fines and up to five years in prison for those found advertising such crossings.
