UK UK-French Migrant Deal Sparks Detentions and Controversy

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of UK Government

 

The UK's controversial "one in, one out" agreement with France has led to the detention of several dozen migrants in a new crackdown. This groundbreaking pilot scheme aims to swiftly return those arriving illegally across the English Channel. To the dismay of critics, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed that the first migrants could return in the coming weeks.

 

Earlier this week, images surfaced showing the migrants disembarking from Border Force boats in Dover, marking Day 1 of the scheme. The Home Office released footage with claims of demonstrating the inaugural stages of the pilot, including biometric checks and initial relocation procedures. Curiously, independent journalists were absent from filming, raising eyebrows among media outlets.

 

In a Thursday interview, Cooper reiterated the government’s stern stance but refused to disclose specific numbers of detainees to avoid aiding criminal operations. “This is a strong message: illegal arrivals will be detained and returned,” she stated, while promising to counter any legal challenges robustly.

 

According to Home Office figures, 155 migrants made the perilous crossing on the scheme's first day alone, reported the BBC.

 

A stark poster, distributed in France, forewarns potential crossers of the new removals. Displaying a person being escorted to a plane, it reads, "YOU NOW FACE BEING DETAINED AND RETURNED TO FRANCE IF YOU ARRIVE IN THE UK ON A SMALL BOAT," in both English and French. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, during the announcement with French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasised the repercussions for illegal entry: "You will face being sent back."

 

Scheduled to run for 11 months, the pilot will allow just as many vetted asylum seekers from France to enter the UK through a secure channel. British officials strive to refer returns to France within three days of arrival, with the French providing feedback in two weeks. Meanwhile, asylum seekers in France can apply online, undergoing rigorous checks before potential UK travel.

 

The influx of Channel-crossers has risen sharply, with over 25,000 in 2025 alone, a 49% surge from last year. Current laws prevent repatriation to homelands before an asylum claim is rejected, yet transfers to safe nations like France remain permissible. Critics, however, cast doubt on the initiative’s efficacy, with some calling it inadequate compared to the now-scrapped Rwanda plan.

 

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp lamented the decision to abandon the Rwanda scheme, labelling it a "foolish error". Meanwhile, the refugee charity Care4Calais condemned the new deal as "morally repugnant," stating that genuine sanctuary should not be at the expense of others. They have mobilised a team of legal experts to defend detainees’ rights.

 

With opinions divided and stakes high, the UK’s latest effort to manage the migrant influx faces scrutiny from all quarters as the action unfolds in the coming months.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-09