UK, France Agree Pilot ‘One In, One Out’ Migrant Returns Scheme

The UK and France have agreed on a pilot 'one in, one out' scheme to address the issue of migrants crossing the English Channel via small boats. Under this agreement, some migrants arriving in the UK will be detained and returned to France, while the UK will accept an equivalent number of asylum seekers from France who can demonstrate a family connection to Britain and have not tried to enter the UK illegally. The scheme aims to deter illegal crossings and disrupt people-smuggling operations, with the pilot expected to start within weeks and initially cover around 50 returns per week. Both leaders emphasized the importance of the scheme as a new tactic, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighting the unprecedented crackdown on illegal working and French President Emmanuel Macron noting the deterrent effect and criticizing Brexit's impact on migration cooperation. The agreement awaits legal scrutiny and approval by the European Commission and EU member states, as it involves the EU's external border rules. Additional cooperation on defense and support for Ukraine was also discussed during Macron's visit to the UK.