Only 12 migrants a week returned to France under Starmer's one in, one out' policy

"Sir Keir Starmer's flagship "one in, one out" scheme is returning only 12 migrants a week to France, falling short of the initial promise of 50 per week. Since its launch last August, 377 people have been returned to France under the pilot, while 380 migrants have been allowed to apply for asylum in the UK from France."

"The scheme faces legal challenges from migrants, with 40 per cent of those detained making trafficking claims, arguing that French authorities do not adequately support victims. A joint High Court claim by over a dozen migrants, some already deported, challenges the scheme's lawfulness and the Home Office's policy on modern slavery claims."

"A High Court judge recently halted the removal of an Eritrean trafficking victim to France due to concerns about access to accommodation and healthcare support there."

The UK's flagship migrant returns scheme, launched in August, has significantly underperformed its targets, returning only 12 migrants weekly to France instead of the promised 50. Since inception, 377 people have been returned while 380 were permitted to apply for asylum in the UK. The scheme faces substantial legal obstacles, with 40 percent of detained migrants claiming trafficking victimhood and arguing French authorities provide inadequate support. Over a dozen migrants have filed a joint High Court claim challenging the scheme's legality and the Home Office's handling of modern slavery claims. A High Court judge recently blocked the removal of an Eritrean trafficking victim to France, citing insufficient accommodation and healthcare provisions.

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