UK and France Agree on Ground-Breaking Migrant Return Scheme

Strategic Insights -

The UK and France have agreed on a one-in, one-out migrant return scheme, which aims to tackle the issue of small boat crossings in the Channel. The scheme, initially a pilot, will mean that for each migrant the UK Government returns to France, another migrant who has made a legal claim in France will be allowed to come to the UK. This new deal is seen as a key part of the solution to the small boats issue, which has been a major problem for the UK Government. The scheme is also expected to help reduce the number of people risking their lives in small boat crossings, which have reached 20,000 in the first half of this year alone.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK and France have agreed on a one-in, one-out migrant return scheme, which will allow the UK to return migrants to France and in return, accept another migrant who has made a legal claim in France.
  • The scheme is designed to tackle the issue of small boat crossings in the Channel and reduce the number of people risking their lives in these crossings.
  • In the first half of this year, 20,000 people have risked their lives in small boat crossings despite previous attempts to clamp down on them.
  • The UK Government will crack down on illegal working, particularly in the gig economy, with changes in the law and new biometric technology introduced.
  • France will improve measures to intercept crossings, and both countries will increase joint enforcement actions in the Channel.
  • The Refugee Council has welcomed the scheme as a safe legal route, while Asylum Matters is doubtful it will work.
  • The scheme must be expanded if it is to be successful in addressing the issue of small boat crossings.

Statistics:

  • 20,000 people have risked their lives in small boat crossings in the first half of this year alone.
  • The UK Government is expected to return migrants to France, with a corresponding number of migrants being allowed to come to the UK through a secure route.
  • France will improve measures to intercept crossings, and both countries will increase joint enforcement actions in the Channel.

Sources:

  • (/news/opinion/columnists/why-labours-ministers-and-rebels-need-to-make-peace-with-each-other-and-quickly-5199098)
  • (/news/opinion/columnists/how-labours-nhs-reforms-in-england-pose-a-real-threat-to-the-snp-5209932)