Small boats Man who crossed to UK twice is flown back to France

An Iranian man who returned to the UK on a small boat after being sent back to France under the "one in, one out" scheme has been removed for a second time, the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said yesterday.

- Rajeev Syal Diane Taylor

The man was flown back to France, despite continuing to insist he is a victim of modern slavery.

A statement from Mahmood emphasised the government's determination to make the returns scheme work, saying: "Anyone looking to return to the UK after being removed under the UK-France agreement is wasting their time and money."

Mahmood continued: "This individual was detected by biometrics and detained instantly. His case was expedited, and now he has been removed again. My message is clear: if you try to return to the UK you will be sent back. I will do whatever it takes to scale up removals of illegal migrants and secure our borders."

The man arrived in the UK for the first time on 6 August and was returned to France on 19 September. He then came back to the UK on a small boat on 18 October and claimed asylum.