The controversial 'one in, one out' agreement between the UK and France, which allows the UK to return asylum seekers who arrive by small boat to France in exchange for accepting others legally, is reportedly set to end in October. According to French media reports, a French interior ministry source told Le Monde that the bilateral agreement will not be extended beyond October, and a new EU-level action plan announced on 18 June is intended to replace it.
Details of the agreement
Under the deal, asylum seekers who reach the UK via small boat can be forcibly returned to France. In return, the UK agrees to bring in a similar number of asylum seekers from France who have not attempted the crossing. The scheme has faced heavy criticism from NGOs and asylum seekers, who describe it as unjust and inhumane. Doctors Without Borders has condemned it as 'a cynical bargaining over human lives,' reporting cases of acute stress disorder and disorientation among those returned.
Statistics and impact
Between September last year, when removals began, and 9 June this year, 921 asylum seekers were returned to France and 896 were brought to the UK legally. However, between 15 and 22 June alone, 1,939 asylum seekers arrived in the UK on small boats, indicating the scheme has not significantly deterred crossings. Critics, including migrant advocacy groups, have expressed doubts that the policy has acted as the deterrent Prime Minister Keir Starmer hoped for when he announced the 'groundbreaking' deal with French President Emmanuel Macron in July last year.
Criticisms and consequences
Asylum seekers returned to France have reported receiving little support, with some threatened with return to Syria. Others have attempted to re-enter the UK via lorries or small boats, leading to an amendment allowing France to accept back some who return by lorry. The Telegraph reported that people smugglers are now taking detours, making journeys up to 80 miles—about four times the shortest Channel crossing—to avoid detection.
A Home Office spokesperson said: 'The government’s agreement with France has been extended until the autumn. This will ensure we will continue to remove migrants who arrive on small boats over the summer.' The Home Office has welcomed the EU Channel action plan, stating it sets out a more coordinated EU-level response.
