The Labour government's much-publicised 'one in, one out' migration agreement with France has been branded a 'joke' after official statistics revealed Britain has accepted more migrants than it has sent back.
The Imbalance in Numbers
Under the scheme, which was a cornerstone of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's summer agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, the UK has returned 193 people who crossed the Channel in small boats during its first two months of operation from September to December. However, over that same critical period, 195 asylum-seekers from France, who had not previously attempted to enter the UK illegally, were permitted to come to Britain through the arrangement.
This outcome directly contradicts the Home Office's original assertion that the deal would involve an 'equal number' of people travelling in each direction. It marks a significant setback for a policy already grappling with legal challenges and the farcical situation of two removed individuals returning via small boats shortly after their deportation.
Record Crossings Despite Deterrent Aim
The revelation comes alongside finalised data for 2025, which confirmed it was the second-worst year on record for small boat arrivals. A total of 41,472 migrants reached British shores in dinghies, a figure only 9% below the all-time high of 45,774 set in 2022. This represents a 13% increase from the 36,816 crossings recorded in the previous year.
Ministers had hoped the threat of rapid return to France would act as a powerful deterrent. Yet, the persistently high numbers, attributed to people-smugglers packing larger vessels, suggest the policy has failed to stem the flow. Since Labour took power in July 2024, a cumulative 64,714 people have arrived in Dover aboard 1,095 dinghies.
Political Reaction and Government Defence
The figures have ignited fierce political criticism. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told the Daily Mail: 'It is a joke that under Labour’s deal more immigrants have been let in than have been removed. In any case, removing under 200 immigrants when over 40,000 have arrived so far this year is clearly no deterrent at all.'
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was equally scathing, stating: 'Smash the gangs is a complete disaster, the one in one out deal is a farce and the numbers coming over are huge. Many of the young men that have arrived last year will do us great harm.'
In response, a Home Office spokesman admitted the small boat numbers were 'shameful' but defended the government's actions. The spokesman insisted: 'This Government is taking action. We have removed almost 50,000 people who were here illegally, and our historic deal with the French means those who arrive on small boats are now being sent back.'
On the specifics of the returns agreement, the spokesman added: 'Under this landmark agreement, those who arrive on small boats are now being returned directly to France. We are currently scaling up this pilot. As well as removing those who have arrived illegally, we are accepting applicants – subject to stringent security checks – through a new safe and legal route.'
The situation on the ground remains tense, with many new arrivals housed in approximately 200 hotels across the country. These accommodations, described as costly, have been the focal point of angry local protests following a spate of violent and sexual crimes allegedly involving occupants.
