The latest step towards dismantling the criminal trade in small boat crossings was taken today by the ratification of a treaty between the UK and France to help prevent dangerous journeys at sea.
The agreement means that anyone entering the UK on a small boat can be detained immediately on arrival and returned to France by the UK government – with detentions expected to begin within days. Under the ‘one-in, one-out’ scheme, an equal number of migrants will be eligible to come to the UK through a new route if they have not attempted an illegal crossing before – subject to full documentation and security and eligibility checks, News Cover reports, citing UK government.
Today’s ratification follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of the landmark pilot scheme just under 4 weeks ago. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau signed the final text last week. The EU Commission, Germany and other partners have given the green light on this innovative approach to deter illegal migration and prevent criminal smuggling networks operating across Europe.
