UK-France Agree Channel Migrant Returns Pilot

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to a 'one in, one out' pilot scheme allowing the UK to return small boat migrants to France while accepting an equal number of legitimate asylum seekers from France, initially capped at about 50 people weekly. The agreement, reached after complex negotiations, is seen as a breakthrough, particularly after previous UK efforts like the Rwanda plan failed to secure French cooperation. Critics, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and migrant charities, argue the plan is insufficient and could repeat earlier policy failures. Macron attributed the current migration crisis in part to Brexit, which he said has complicated cross-border solutions by closing legal routes. Despite questions about its scale and deterrent effect, both leaders present the scheme as evidence of pragmatic, collaborative action. The deal is also part of wider UK-France cooperation, with new commitments on defense, nuclear collaboration, and support for Ukraine.