Starmer's migrant deal 'completely unworkable'

THE migrant returns deal between Sir Keir Starmer and French leader Emmanuel Macron was branded “completely unworkable” last night after it was revealed bogus human rights claims can stop illegals being sent back to France.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

The “one-in, one-out” treaty between London and Paris began yesterday, but there are already concerns over loopholes.

Under a pilot scheme, some migrants crossing the Channel will be sent back to France in exchange for Britain taking asylum seekers with ties to the UK. Britain has just 14 days to detain and deport a Channel arrival.

However, France can withhold crucial details about those they are sending to the UK and refuse to take any posing a “threat to public policy, internal security, public health or the international relations of any of the Schengen states”.

Small boat arrivals with “clearly unfounded” human rights claims will be allowed to stay in the UK until they have exhausted all their legal challenges.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “This deal is likely to be completely unworkable and will be ruthlessly exploited by human rights lawyers to prevent people being returned to France.

“Even a clearly unfounded or made-up human rights claim will stop a return to France while it goes through a lengthy court process.

“Returning just 6% of illegal immigrants, as reported, will have no deterrent effect whatsoever because 94% get to stay.

“And the deal says France will not provide any information at all about those they are sending to the UK so they could be criminals or terrorists and we wouldn't know.”