The government is eager to address the small boat crisis, with the first deportations of migrants to France set to commence this week.
Under an agreement between Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, asylum seekers who arrived on small boats will be repatriated to France from Monday onwards. The UK will send individuals back to France in exchange for those approved to enter the UK.
The initial group of migrants was detained on August 6 under the new initiative. Over 30,000 people have crossed the perilous Channel to Britain this year, reaching a record early in the year compared to previous years.
Tensions arose over the summer regarding the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers.
Peter Kyle, speaking on Sky News, expressed the government’s determination to tackle the migration crisis inherited from the Conservatives. Cooperation with France is emphasized as key to addressing the issue efficiently.
The Home Office confirmed that under the new UK-France treaty, individuals arriving by small boats can now be detained and returned to France promptly. Safeguarding the UK border remains a top priority to restore order and enhance border security.