A second migrant sent from the UK to France under a new agreement has returned to the UK. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing cross-Channel migration.

At a glance

  • A second migrant returned to the UK after being sent to France under a new deal.
  • The UK has returned 94 migrants to France since the scheme began.
  • More than 39,000 migrants have crossed the Channel to the UK this year.

    • Migrant Returns Under New Agreement

    The Home Office has confirmed that a second migrant, who was part of the "one in, one out" deal with France, has returned to the UK. Detected through biometric measures, the individual was detained immediately. Officials plan to send him back to France as soon as possible. The "one in, one out" pilot scheme aims to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Last month, an Iranian man also returned to the UK after being sent to France, only to be deported again shortly thereafter. The Home Office has stated that they will continue to catch and return anyone attempting to re-enter the UK under this agreement.

    Home Office's Stance on Returns

    A spokesperson for the Home Office emphasized that anyone trying to return to the UK after being removed under the UK-France agreement is wasting their resources. The spokesperson reiterated that the government is committed to scaling up removals of illegal migrants and securing the nation's borders. The first flight under this scheme transported an Indian national to Paris on September 18. Since then, approximately 100 men have been detained after arriving in the UK by small boat and informed of their potential return to France.

    Current Migration Statistics

    As of now, the Home Office has confirmed that 94 migrants have been returned to France, while 57 have arrived in the UK under the scheme. The number of migrants crossing the Channel has surged, with over 39,000 making the journey this year alone, including more than 500 on a single Saturday. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is considering a major overhaul of the UK's immigration rules, inspired by Denmark's system. At the Labour conference in September, she pledged to regain control of Britain's borders and reduce the number of successful asylum claims.

    Political Reactions to the Scheme

    Downing Street has defended the effectiveness of the "one in, one out" scheme, stating that the quick detection of the returning migrant demonstrates its success. The Prime Minister's spokesperson noted that the individual’s attempt to return was futile, as they would be sent back to France. Critics, including Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson, have labeled the Home Office's handling of the situation as incompetent. He called for a reevaluation of how asylum seekers are managed and for broader agreements with safe countries. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp pointed out that nearly 18,000 migrants have arrived in the UK since the deal was established, with only a small number being removed. He criticized the Labour Party for not taking decisive action against illegal migration and emphasized that the Conservative Party has a clear plan to address the issue.