was established as part of a deal announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron during Macron’s state visit to the UK in July.

Dozens of migrants were detained in Dover last month under the agreement. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said this week that they are expected to be returned to France “imminently.” Formal removal directions have reportedly been issued to asylum seekers, notifying them that they will be deported to France within five days. In return, the UK will accept an equal number of asylum seekers who have not attempted to cross illegally and meet security and eligibility checks.

At the announcement in early July, Starmer described the plan as a “product of months of grown-up diplomacy” that would “deliver real results.” Critics, including members of the Conservative Party, argue that the policy is “unworkable and wide open to abuse.” MPs are also expected to have the opportunity to question Home Secretary Mahmood on the deal during Home Office questions in Parliament on Monday. As of 13 September, 31,027 people had crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025, up from 22,440 during the same period in 2024. (BBC)