Britain and France have reached a new migration agreement aiming to curb the dangerous crossings of migrants over the English Channel. The deal, known as the "one in, one out" policy, will allow the UK to return migrants who arrive via small boats back to France. In return, Britain will offer legal entry to a select number of migrants with ties to the UK, potentially including those with family connections. The pilot scheme anticipates processing about 50 migrants per week, which some critics argue may not be sufficient to significantly deter illegal crossings.
The initiative comes amidst rising numbers of irregular Channel crossings, with over 21,000 recorded this year and at least 15 fatalities. The agreement, announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, seeks to offer a structured approach to managing migration flows while addressing safety concerns. However, there are fears that increased maritime interventions could lead to more accidents. The policy also faces criticism from those who doubt its overall effectiveness and the conservative opposition, which labels the measure inadequate. Despite the challenges, the UK and France are committed to joint efforts, aiming to improve security and ensure legal pathways for migration.
