On the final day of his UK state visit, French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a new plan to address the issue of small boat migrant crossings. The announcement comes as over 250 migrants arrived in Dover, taking advantage of calm seas.
Prime Minister Starmer introduced a “one in, one out” policy for new arrivals, which his government hopes to implement within weeks. This initiative would involve returning migrants who arrive in the UK by small boats to France, in exchange for asylum seekers who have not attempted illegal entry into the UK.
A New Approach to Migration
The “one in, one out” policy is being described as an “experiment” that the UK government believes is worth pursuing to manage irregular migration.
- Policy Mechanism: For every migrant returned to France after arriving via small boat, the UK would accept one asylum seeker who has followed legal pathways to entry.
- Awaiting Details: Specifics on how this new immigration plan will work are still pending, with experts suggesting it marks the initial phase of a complex process.
Mixed Reactions to the Agreement
The new deal has drawn immediate criticism from opposition parties in the UK.
- Conservative View: Chris Philp, the Conservative Shadow Home Secretary, stated that the deal offers “no deterrent at all” to irregular crossings.
- Reform Party Stance: Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party, described the agreement as a “humiliation for Brexit Britain,” having spent the day near Dover observing migrant arrivals.
Beyond Migration: Deeper France-UK Alignment
Alongside the immigration agreement, President Macron also announced enhanced defense cooperation between the UK and France.
- Nuclear Deterrence: For the first time, the two nations will coordinate on nuclear deterrence.
- Defense Interests: The agreement also includes aligning defense interests, specifically noting plans to acquire more cruise missiles.
As President Macron concludes his visit and returns to Paris, the full implications of these new agreements, particularly on immigration, will be closely watched.