Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have announced a new bilateral agreement aimed at curbing illegal Channel crossings, marking a major shift in UK migration policy. The “one in, one out” pilot scheme will allow Britain to return a number of small-boat migrants to France while accepting asylum seekers from France who have family ties in the UK and have not attempted illegal entry.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Starmer described the agreement as a “groundbreaking” step toward tackling irregular migration. Under the pilot, individuals who cross the Channel illegally will be detained in the UK and, where eligible, returned to France. In exchange, the UK will accept a similar number of applicants from France through a new, safe, and legal route.
This is the first such agreement between the UK and France since Brexit, and the first time the UK government has increased the number of formal asylum pathways. Migrants entering the UK illegally will have their biometric data collected at Manston immigration centre. If they qualify for return, their asylum claims in the UK will be deemed inadmissible due to their arrival from a safe country.
Meanwhile, asylum seekers in France with family in the UK can apply through an online platform. Only those who have not previously attempted illegal entry will be eligible.
The pilot scheme is expected to begin in the coming weeks and may initially involve the return of around 50 people per week, according to French media. While Starmer did not confirm exact numbers, he emphasized the deterrent effect the policy aims to achieve against human smugglers and illegal crossings.
Macron echoed this, stressing the need for collective European support and coordination. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to the deal and broader cooperation, including on nuclear deterrence and foreign policy.