Over 1,000 people made the daring journey across the English Channel in small boats on a single day, marking a significant moment for 2025. With a total of 32,103 arrivals so far this year, it’s a record-breaking number for this point in the year. The government’s “one in, one out” deal with France, hoping to deter crossings by sending migrants back, is being put to the test. Despite these efforts, Friday’s crossings show the challenge persists.
Recently, an Iranian man was sent back to France, joining an Eritrean man and an Indian national who were deported over the same period. As part of the deal’s reciprocal aspect, the first flights from France to the UK will kick off next week. Though officials remain tight-lipped on precise numbers, they aim for balance under this new approach.
Deputy PM David Lammy is optimistic about the returns, highlighting them as an “immediate deterrent.” Yet not everyone is convinced, with critics like shadow home secretary Chris Philp dismissing the outcomes as ineffective. As the government gears up to increase the numbers under this pilot scheme, the debate continues on the best way forward to manage this pressing issue. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds!