UK-France small boats pilot plans comes into Force

The UK's Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has declined to put a figure on how many migrants will be returned to France under a new scheme that comes into force today.

Some migrants arriving in the UK on small boats will be detained and returned to France under the deal agreed with French President Emmanuel Macron.

In return, the UK will accept asylum seekers who have not tried to cross and can pass security and eligibility checks.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the plan was a "product of months of grown-up diplomacy" which would "deliver real results" but the Conservatives said it would "make no difference whatsoever".

As of 30 July, more than 25,000 people had crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025 - about 49% higher than at the same point in 2024.

UK and international law prevents the government from sending asylum seekers back to their country of origin before their claim has been considered and turned down. However, they can be sent to safe countries prepared to consider their claim