What's happened
A migrant who returned to the UK on a small boat after being deported to France has been removed again. The government emphasizes the effectiveness of biometric detection and the 'one in, one out' scheme, with 94 migrants deported and 57 accepted for asylum under the treaty.
What's behind the headline?
The repeated deportation of migrants under the 'one in, one out' scheme highlights the UK government's focus on border enforcement. Biometrics play a crucial role in immediate detection, reinforcing the message that attempts to re-enter illegally are futile. However, the scheme faces criticism over the treatment of vulnerable individuals, such as those claiming modern slavery, and concerns about the effectiveness of returns without addressing root causes of migration. The ongoing renegotiation of funding and operational tactics with France suggests the scheme's future will depend on diplomatic and logistical cooperation. This approach will likely intensify, with the government prioritizing border security over humanitarian considerations, potentially leading to increased tensions with advocacy groups.
What the papers say
Sky News reports that the latest migrant was detected and deported again, emphasizing the system's efficiency. The Independent highlights the case of a migrant claiming modern slavery, which the government dismisses as a barrier to returns. The Guardian provides context on the scheme's history and ongoing negotiations with France, noting that 94 migrants have been removed and 57 accepted for asylum under the treaty. All sources agree that the UK is committed to scaling up deportations, despite criticisms over the treatment of vulnerable migrants and the political implications of the scheme.
How we got here
The UK-France returns scheme was established to deter illegal crossings by small boats, with migrants being deported to France and others granted asylum in the UK. The scheme aims to strengthen border security amid rising migrant numbers, with recent figures showing over 36,800 arrivals in 2025, slightly higher than last year.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Effective Is the UK Deportation Scheme with Biometric Detection?
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Shabana Mahmood is a British Labour Party politician and barrister serving as the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Ladywood since 2010. She has served in the Shadow Cabinet of Keir Starmer as the Labour Party National Campaign Coordinator since 2021.
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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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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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The Home Office is a ministerial department of the Government of the United Kingdom, responsible for immigration, security and law and order.