The UK government is preparing to send migrants back to France for the first time this week under the terms of a new agreement signed in July. According to reports, migrants detained in early August will be the first to be returned, marking the official start of the so-called “one in, one out” returns scheme.
The agreement allows the UK to send migrants back to France if they entered Britain illegally. In exchange, France will allow asylum seekers to enter the UK through safe and legal routes, as long as they have not previously attempted to cross unlawfully. Officials have confirmed that the deal is a pilot scheme and will run until June 2026.
Former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the process was due to begin “in the near future” but did not confirm if the first deportation flight would take place immediately. Business Secretary Peter Kyle also said he hoped the flights would begin quickly, stressing that cooperation with France is the only way to manage the crisis effectively.
The returns deal comes at a time of growing public anger over immigration in the UK. The number of migrants crossing the English Channel this year has already passed 30,000, the earliest this figure has ever been reached since records began in 2018. This surge has made immigration the top concern for many voters, surpassing even the debates that dominated during Brexit.
Tensions spilled over on Saturday when as many as 150,000 protesters marched through London in a demonstration led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The protest, called “Unite the Kingdom,” ended in violent clashes with police. Authorities confirmed that 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott condemned the violence, calling it “abhorrent” and insisting those involved should face justice.
Trott also argued that the unrest reflects public frustration with the government’s handling of immigration. She said voters feel “let down” because the ruling party promised to “smash the gangs” behind Channel crossings but instead migration numbers have continued to rise. She accused the government of being distracted by scandals and failing to act with urgency.
Meanwhile, the Labour government is under pressure to show it can deliver on immigration. Business Secretary Peter Kyle defended the administration, insisting they are working “day and night” to get control of the situation. He argued that by working closely with France, rather than clashing with it, the government is better positioned to find solutions. Kyle also said ministers were frustrated with the scale of the crisis they had “inherited” from the previous Conservative leadership.
Despite the political battles, the reality is that thousands of migrants continue to attempt the dangerous journey across the Channel. The returns deal with France is being presented as a first step toward easing the pressure. However, critics warn that the scheme is still a pilot and question whether it can make a real impact on the record numbers of people risking their lives to reach the UK.