UK and France confirm 'one in one out' deal to tackle small boat crossings

Starmer has called the deal “groundbreaking” and said it would start within weeks, as ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston and Correspondent Peter Smith report

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have announced a “returns deal” between the two countries in an effort to tackle illegal migration and small boats crossings.

In a joint press conference, the prime minister told reporters: “There is no silver bullet here, but with a united effort, new tactics and a new level of intent, we can finally turn the tables.

“So I am pleased to announce our agreement today on a groundbreaking returns pilot.

“For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France in short order.”

The PM added: “In exchange for every return, a different individual will be allowed to come here via a safe route – controlled and legal.”

Calling out previous government’s inaction, Starmer promised: “Hard headed aggressive action on all fronts to break the gangs business model, secure our borders and show that attempting to reach the UK by small boat will only end in failure, detention and return.”

“Now I know some people will still ask ‘Why should we take anyone in?’ So let me address that directly,” said Starmer.

“We accept genuine asylum seekers because it is right that we offer a haven to those in most dire need.”

The prime minister hailed Thursday’s deal as “groundbreaking,” as he told reporters the pilot would be operational in “a couple of weeks.”

“If it works what it does is break the model and that’s the only way in the end to stop this vile trade.”

“Many governments have tried to get this far and have failed to do so.”

Starmer’s French counterpart, who has just enjoyed the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit, pointed to the UK’s exit from the EU as a major hurdle to overcome: “We sold a lie to the British people which is that the problem was Europe. The problem has become Brexit,” said Macron.

“For the first time in nine years we are providing a response.”

The prime minister would not be drawn on how the scheme would select the individuals who would be returned to France, although Starmer did not deny the figure of 50 individuals a week reported in Le Monde.

The Home Office has also refused to confirm how many people this deal would see returned.

If the numbers are anything like the 50 reportedly being agreed on, the deal will result in the return of only a fraction of the 21,000 people who have made the Channel crossing so far in 2025, a record for this point in a year.

The deal will also not see the net migration figure fall on its own, but the hope is that it would serve as a deterrent for more people hoping to make the trip by boat.

It nevertheless represents a concession by the French that such returns are possible, after years of MPs on the right of British politics insisting France is a “safe” country where migrants can be sent back to.

Responding to the announcement, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the new deal doesn’t go far enough.

“Labour’s deal will only return one in every 17 illegal immigrants arriving. Allowing 94% of illegal immigrants to stay will make no difference whatsoever and have no deterrent effect,” Chris Philp said.

“Labour promised to “smash the gangs”, but 2025 so far has been the worst year in history for illegal immigrants crossing the channel and 44,000 illegal immigrants have crossed since the election. Returning 50 illegal immigrants a week only represents 6% of these arrivals.

“The Conservatives would restore the Rwanda plan which Starmer cancelled just days before it was due to start. This would see 100% of illegal immigrants being immediately removed without judicial process. The Australian example showed that a 100% removals deterrent works. We will do the same here.”

He finished: “We’ve had enough of Starmer’s weak and ineffective gimmicks.”

Nuclear Defence

The UK and France also agreed to coordinate their nuclear deterrents, a move designed to act as a warning to Russia.

The move comes as US President Donald Trump called on European allies to step up their contributions to Nato.

The Northwood Declaration, which was signed by both Sir Keir Starmer and President Macron, means that the two nuclear powers would mobilise their deterrent together if threatened.

The prime minister said: “Now, as Europe’s only nuclear powers and as leaders in Nato, we play a vital role in preserving the peace and security on this continent.

Coalition of the Willing

The French president also confirmed that peacekeeping plans to aid Ukraine once the war ends are “ready to go”, once a ceasefire has been agreed.

Under the plans, which are also referred to as the ‘coalition of the willing’, British and French troops would be placed on the ground in Ukraine.

Other countries would then help provide logistical support to deter further aggression by Russia.