The Home Secretary has announced plans to increase the repatriation of migrants to France following the return of 16 individuals on a chartered flight. A total of 42 migrants have now been sent back as part of the Government’s one-in-one-out agreement, reports BritPanorama.
Despite ongoing repatriations, 369 additional migrants arrived in Dover on Saturday aboard seven dinghies, underscoring the persistent challenge of illegal crossings. The UK has now seen 23 individuals returned under the mutual agreement with France, highlighting the slow progress of the initiative.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated, “For many years, illegal migrants entered our country with no consequence. This is the largest return flight under our historic deal with the French.” She emphasized the government’s commitment to send a clear message to potential migrants considering illegal entry: “If you come here by small boat, you can be sent back.”
Mahmood further articulated her intention to enhance these deportations, asserting, “This is just the beginning – I will scale up these removals to France. And I will do whatever it takes to secure our borders.” More flights are anticipated in the upcoming days and weeks as the government intensifies its efforts.
This year, a total of 36,734 people have crossed the Channel, nearing last year’s figure of 36,816. Border security chief Martin Hewitt expressed frustration over the ongoing flow of arrivals but maintained that disrupting the smuggling routes would take time. In response to the crisis, Sir Keir Starmer will convene a leaders’ summit with Western Balkan nations this week to discuss strategies aimed at reducing illegal migration to the UK.
