UK and France Agree to Send Back Small Boats Migrants

The UK and France have announced a new plan to tackle the migrant crisis in the English Channel, with both countries agreeing to send back small boats migrants. As part of the pilot scheme, people arriving on small boats will be detained and returned to France, while a different individual will be allowed to come to the UK via a safe route. The plan is seen as a breakthrough in tackling the issue, but critics argue that it does not go far enough.

Key Takeaways:

• The pilot scheme will allow for the detention and return of small boats migrants to France, with 50 migrants expected to be returned per week.
• In exchange for every return, a different individual will be allowed to come to the UK via a safe route, subject to strict security checks.
• The UK will take in genuine asylum seekers as part of the agreement, with Sir Keir Starmer saying it is "right that we offer a haven to those in most dire need".
• The plan is a response to the 21,117 migrants who have crossed the English Channel so far this year.
• Reform UK's Nigel Farage has criticized the agreement, saying it is a "humiliation for Brexit Britain".
• Shadow home secretary Chris Philp has stated that the plan will only return one in every 17 illegal immigrants, with 94% allowed to stay.

Statistics:

• 21,117 migrants have crossed the English Channel so far this year.
• 50 migrants are expected to be returned per week under the pilot scheme.
• 94% of illegal immigrants will be allowed to stay under the plan.
• The UK will take in genuine asylum seekers as part of the agreement.

Sources:

• The Guardian: "UK and France agree to send back small boats migrants"
• BBC News: "UK and France agree to return small boat migrants in new deal"
• TheIndependent: "UK and France agree to send back migrants who arrive by boat"
• Reform UK: Statement from Nigel Farage on the agreement
• The Labour Party: Statement from Shadow home secretary Chris Philp on the agreement