Starmer's flagship one in, one out' scheme returning just 12 people a week to France

"Sir Keir Starmer's flagship one in, one out' scheme is returning just 12 migrants a week to France despite initial promises of 50 people a week, new data shows. The pilot, which launched last August, faces being thrown into disarray by a fresh round of legal claims from migrants challenging the lawfulness of the deal."

"Under the pilot, small boat migrants who make the perilous journey across the Channel are deported back to Paris, with other migrants allowed to apply for asylum in the UK from France. So far 377 people have been returned to France under the controversial scheme, averaging around 12 a week, and 380 have come to the UK in exchange."

"Announcing the agreement alongside French president Emmanuel Macron last summer, Sir Keir Starmer promised that the scheme targeting small boat migrants will show others trying to make the same journey that it will be in vain. Thousands of asylum seekers have risked their lives by making the dangerous Channel crossing since the scheme started."

Sir Keir Starmer's flagship 'one in, one out' migrant scheme, launched in August, is significantly underperforming initial targets. The pilot returns approximately 12 migrants per week to France, compared to the promised 50 weekly. Since inception, 377 people have been returned to France while 380 have arrived in the UK through the exchange program. Small boat migrants are deported to Paris while others apply for asylum from France. The scheme faces disruption from ongoing legal challenges questioning its lawfulness. Despite Starmer's announcement that the initiative would deter future crossing attempts, thousands of asylum seekers continue risking dangerous Channel crossings.

Read at www.independent.co.uk