First migrants held under new deal as PM vows to secure border

THE first small boat migrants have been detained under the UK's new “one in, one out” deal with Emmanuel Macron and could be sent back to France within weeks.

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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK Government was prepared to defend itself against legal challenges if migrants seek to avoid being sent back across the English Channel.

The migrants detained were among those who risked the Channel crossing on Wednesday, the day the pilot scheme began operating.

Some 155 people were detected making the crossing on Wednesday in two boats, taking the total for the year to 25,591, 45% higher than at the same point last year and 70% above this stage in 2023.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “We have detained the first illegal migrants under our new deal before returning them to France. No gimmicks, just results.