Nearly 200 migrants who crossed the English Channel in small boats have been sent back to France under a reciprocal returns agreement struck between the two nations, a senior minister has disclosed.
Deal Operational and Working as Intended
Borders Minister Alex Norris told the House of Lords International Agreements Committee that the arrangement, finalised in the summer of 2025, is functioning effectively. He confirmed that 193 individuals have been returned to France since October, while the UK has admitted 195 people in exchange under the terms of the pact.
"Our view as a government is that the thing works," Mr Norris stated, providing an update to peers. "It operates as intended. Now, is it the summit of our aspirations? No, it's not, but it works. And that, you know, as I say, that is no mean feat."
Government Aims to Expand Scheme Across Europe
The minister revealed that the government is actively looking to negotiate similar bilateral agreements with other European countries. He argued that nations across the continent share a common interest in dismantling the criminal networks behind irregular migration.
Mr Norris described the people smugglers as "organised criminals, some of the worst human beings frankly possible," whose activities breed violence, drug trafficking, and prostitution. "All the behaviours that come along with it... aren't in the interests of any of our European partners to have," he emphasised.
He praised France for acting in "good faith," countering suggestions that Paris is disinterested in stopping the boats. "The fact that they've been willing to enter into these arrangements I think demonstrates significant good faith on their part," Norris said.
Push for Eurodac Database Access
A key hurdle identified by the minister is the UK's lack of access to the EU's Eurodac database. This system holds biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, of asylum seekers and irregular migrants who have entered the bloc.
Without this access, UK officials cannot determine if an individual has already applied for asylum in another European country. "We don't have access to Eurodac - to whether or not individuals have tried in a different country," Mr Norris explained, adding that securing such access is a priority in discussions with European counterparts.
Concluding his remarks, the Borders Minister framed the current agreement as good value for taxpayers and a foundation to build upon. "It is our position as a government that we would like to grow the number of parties that we have such agreements with," he declared, signalling a broader diplomatic strategy on migration management.
