The government of the United Kingdom is working to renew its migration agreement with France, but this time it wants a deal that gives better value for money and stronger results.
The current deal, signed in 2023, involved the UK paying France about £476 million over three years. The money was used to increase border security, fund a detention centre, and deploy more officers along the French coast to stop migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats.
Now, as the agreement is about to expire, the UK government says it wants a new deal that is more effective and flexible. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer explained that the focus is on creating a long-term solution that will reduce illegal crossings and deliver real impact.
The need for a stronger deal has become more urgent because migrant crossings remain high. In 2025 alone, nearly 42,000 migrants arrived on the southern coast of the UK. This is one of the highest numbers recorded since data collection began in 2018, showing that current efforts have not fully solved the problem.
The issue has also become political. Keir Starmer and his Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood are under growing pressure to reduce the number of arrivals. The rise in support for Reform UK has added to this pressure, as the party continues to campaign strongly against immigration.
At the same time, the government has introduced stricter immigration policies. These include reducing protections for some refugees and cutting certain support for asylum seekers. However, these decisions have been criticised by charities and some members of the Labour Party, who fear the government is moving away from its traditional values.
In addition to the main deal, the UK and France have already started testing a new system known as the “one in, one out” returns scheme. Under this system, migrants who arrive in the UK can be sent back to France, while others with valid reasons may be allowed into the UK. So far, more than 300 people have been returned to France, while over 360 have entered the UK through the scheme.
Despite these efforts, both countries agree that more needs to be done. Officials from the UK and France say they are united in their goal to stop dangerous crossings and break the business model of smuggling networks.
As talks continue, the outcome of the new agreement will be important. It will determine how both countries manage migration in the future and whether they can reduce the risks faced by migrants attempting to cross one of the busiest and most dangerous sea routes in the world.