London, July 9, 2025 — The United Kingdom and France have agreed on a pilot plan to return some migrants who cross the English Channel in small boats, in a new joint effort to curb illegal immigration and respond to mounting criticism over Britain’s border control failures, the Associated Press reports.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced the agreement on Thursday during a joint press conference in London. Although the initial phase includes a limited number of returns, British officials described the deal as a “significant step” toward setting a precedent for repatriating migrants who arrive illegally on UK shores.
“There is no silver bullet,” said PM Starmer, “but with joint effort, new tactics, and a renewed level of determination, we can finally turn the tide in our favor. For the first time, migrants arriving in small boats will be detained and swiftly returned to France.”
Under the agreement, the UK will return a number of small boat migrants to France, while simultaneously accepting an equal number of individuals deemed legitimate asylum seekers from French territory into the UK. The system aims to create a more balanced and humane migration management model.
Channel crossings via small boats have become a politically sensitive and highly visible issue in Britain. Footage of smugglers launching overloaded dinghies from French beaches has fueled public concern and pressure on the government to act decisively.
According to UK authorities, over 21,000 migrants have crossed the Channel so far this year — a 56% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Tragically, dozens have lost their lives during these perilous journeys.
Officials in both countries expressed hope that the pilot deal will serve as a blueprint for deeper cooperation and future reforms of the European and British asylum systems.
