Starmer's 'One In, One Out' Migrant Scheme Falls Short of Targets
Sir Keir Starmer's flagship 'one in, one out' policy is returning a mere 12 migrants per week to France, significantly below the initial pledge of 50 weekly returns. Since its launch in August last year, the pilot scheme has seen 377 individuals returned to France, while 380 migrants have been permitted to apply for asylum in the UK from French territory.
Legal Challenges and Trafficking Claims
The scheme is facing mounting legal challenges from migrants, with 40 per cent of those detained making trafficking claims. These individuals argue that French authorities fail to provide adequate support for victims of modern slavery. A joint High Court claim, involving over a dozen migrants—some of whom have already been deported—is challenging the lawfulness of the scheme and the Home Office's policy on handling modern slavery allegations.
In a recent development, a High Court judge halted the removal of an Eritrean trafficking victim to France, citing concerns about access to accommodation and healthcare support in the country. This decision underscores the complexities and humanitarian issues surrounding the policy's implementation.
Policy Implications and Future Outlook
The shortfall in returns highlights potential flaws in the scheme's design and execution, raising questions about its effectiveness in managing migration flows. With ongoing legal battles and operational hurdles, the future of Starmer's 'one in, one out' approach remains uncertain, as stakeholders call for more robust measures to address both security and human rights concerns.
