UK and France in talks over deal to exchange people seeking asylum

The British and French governments are involved in early talks about a returns agreement that would involve both countries exchanging people seeking asylum.

- Rajeev Syal

Officials have discussed a pilot scheme under which a small number of people who come across the Channel to the UK by irregular means would be sent back to France.

The UK would look to accept from France a limited number of people who have a right to be in Britain, especially those with a case for family reunification.

Home Office insiders have described the talks, first reported in the Financial Times, as positive.

Keir Starmer's government has been under pressure to come up with a breakthrough after an increase in the number of small boat arrivals this year compared with the last. The threat of Nigel Farage's Reform party, which has been critical of Labour's progress on immigration, is occupying political strategists in No 10.

A Home Office spokesperson said the government was "intensifying" its collaboration with France and other European countries.