The first group of small boat migrants arriving across the Channel have been detained for return to France, as the UK’s new ‘one-in, one-out’ migrant treaty came into force this week.
The Home Office confirmed that several individuals were held at the Western Jet Foil facility in Dover on Wednesday after crossing into the UK by boat. While exact numbers were not disclosed, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described it as a “groundbreaking step” in curbing illegal migration and disrupting criminal smuggling gangs.
“The first group of people to cross the Channel were detained after their arrival… and will now be held in detention until they can be returned to France,” said Cooper.
“That sends a message to every migrant currently thinking of paying organised crime gangs… they will be risking their lives and throwing away their money.”
Treaty Mechanics
The treaty, signed with the French government, allows Britain to return Channel arrivals to France in exchange for accepting a quota of migrants from the French asylum system. Those selected for removal will not be placed in hotels, but held in Home Office detention centres pending repatriation.
Meanwhile, a Home Office website has launched allowing French-registered asylum seekers to express interest in being relocated to the UK.
Legal Hurdles Ahead
Despite the policy’s symbolic start, legal experts and migrant rights groups warn that human rights challenges could hinder removals.
The Home Office has admitted that anyone with an “outstanding human rights claim” cannot be returned until their case concludes. This includes individuals with family ties in the UK or past trauma in France.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy caused confusion by suggesting human rights cases would be processed after return — contradicting treaty terms stating some cases block removal entirely.
Pro-migrant charities have already begun co-ordinating legal challenges, similar to opposition faced by the previous government’s Rwanda deportation plan.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp posted footage of French boats escorting UK-bound migrants, criticising Labour’s plan:
“They’re coming to a hotel near you soon.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insists the scheme will reduce crossings and asylum misuse, calling it “a serious reset on border control”.
