What's happened
As Emmanuel Macron prepares for a three-day state visit to the UK, discussions on a controversial 'one-in-one-out' migration deal are overshadowed by opposition from several EU nations. The UK faces record illegal crossings, prompting urgent talks between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the French president on migration strategies.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Emmanuel Macron's visit is pivotal for UK-France relations post-Brexit, focusing on migration and security.
- The 'one-in-one-out' deal aims to return asylum seekers to France while allowing others with legitimate claims to enter the UK.
Challenges Ahead
- Opposition from Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus complicates negotiations, as these nations fear being burdened with returned migrants.
- The UK government is under pressure to address the record number of illegal crossings, which have surged by nearly 50% compared to last year.
Implications
- The effectiveness of new French tactics, including police intervention in shallow waters, remains uncertain and could escalate tensions.
- The outcome of these discussions will likely influence future UK-EU migration policies and the political landscape in both countries.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the complexities surrounding the 'one-in-one-out' agreement, noting that opposition from several EU countries has stalled progress. The Mirror emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that the UK government is desperate for a solution to the rising number of crossings. The Guardian provides insight into the potential announcement of new tactics by French police to intercept boats, while also acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the 'one-in-one-out' plan. AP News and The Independent both report on the aggressive measures taken by French police, including slashing inflatable boats, raising concerns about the treatment of migrants. Overall, the coverage reflects a consensus on the urgency of addressing the migrant crisis, but diverges on the effectiveness and ethical implications of proposed solutions.
How we got here
The UK and France have been grappling with the rising number of migrants crossing the Channel, with over 20,000 arrivals reported in the first half of 2025. The proposed 'one-in-one-out' agreement aims to manage asylum seekers but has faced backlash from other EU countries concerned about its implications.
Go deeper
- What are the details of the 'one-in-one-out' deal?
- How are other EU countries reacting to this agreement?
- What new tactics are French police using against migrants?
Common question
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What are the latest developments in migration and border policies?
As migration continues to be a pressing global issue, recent actions taken by countries like the UK and the US have sparked significant discussions. From new tactics to curb Channel crossings in the UK to controversial deportations in the US, these developments raise important questions about the future of migration policies worldwide.
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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Labor-Gesher was a joint list of the Israeli Israeli Labor Party and Gesher parties for elections for the twenty-second Knesset. The list advocated social democracy and progressive taxation. The list's platform focused primarily on socio-economic issues.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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