Deal with France could see Channel migrants 'detained immediately'

CHANNEL migrants set to be returned to France could start to be held "within days", the Home Office has confirmed.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

The new "one-in one-out" deal between London and Paris has been ratified and will come into force today, meaning asylum seekers could be "detained immediately".

But is unlikely anyone will be returned to France this week, as the final plans are put in place.

Migrants on the other side of the Channel will be able to apply to come to the UK via a new legal route, prompting claims the agreement is a "gimmick".

Sir Keir Starmer will return about 50 migrants a week during a pilot stage - but sources say he wants to ramp this up. The trial is expected to last a year, when the British and French governments will decide on the plan's "long-term future".

The Prime Minister said: "This government has been fixing the foundations of the broken asylum system we inherited and today we send a clear message - if you come here illegally on a small boat you will face being sent back to France.

"This is the product of months of grownup diplomacy delivering real results for British people as we broker deals no government has been able to achieve and strike at the heart of these vile gangs' business model."

The Home Office has said it is ready to fight any legal challenge, with left-wing charities vowing to derail the scheme.

More than 25,000 migrants have crossed the Channel so far in 2025.

The surge has led to fears more than 60,000 could arrive this year.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, inset, insisted the treaty was "groundbreaking".

She added "This is an important step towards undermining the business model of the organised crime gangs behind crossings - undermining their claims those who travel to the UK illegally can’t be returned to France. Now, as part of our Plan for Change, they can be."

But the Conservatives yesterday branded the deal the "migrant surrender treaty".

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: "Returning just 50 illegal immigrants a week, and probably less, will make no difference.