UK Politicians Clash Over Migrant Deal and Channel Crossings

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed strong criticism of the proposed deal, predicting it would be ineffective and easily exploited. He argued that human rights claims, even if unfounded, could halt returns to France due to lengthy court processes. Philp also pointed out the deal's lack of specific numbers, suggesting the return of only a small percentage of illegal immigrants would have no deterrent effect. He further raised concerns about France's refusal to share information about those being sent to the UK, potentially allowing criminals or terrorists to enter.

Philp characterized the agreement as a "bureaucrat's dream" and a "lawyer's paradise," designed to prevent returns. He highlighted the government's failure to address the increasing number of Channel crossings, which have reached record levels this year. The proposed agreement involves the UK sending approximately 50 migrants back to France weekly, in exchange for receiving the same number of migrants with family ties in the UK. However, asylum seekers with human rights claims would be inadmissible under the scheme.

The published treaty confirms that individuals with outstanding human rights claims will not be transferred. It also reveals that France will not provide any personal data about the migrants they are sending to the UK, except when necessary for the agreement's implementation. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper declined to specify when the first migrant returns would occur, but stated that detentions would begin "in a matter of days" and returns would take place "in a matter of weeks." She also refused to set a target number for returns, citing concerns that this information could benefit smuggling gangs.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warned of the Channel migrant crisis's impact on British communities, citing affordability concerns and potential increases in crime. She accused the opposition of contributing to the use of taxpayer-funded hotels for asylum seekers due to their failure to stop the crossings. Badenoch dismissed claims that the current government was responsible for the record asylum backlogs, accusing the opposition of approving applications. She emphasized the need to address community concerns and stop the crossings, highlighting the financial and social costs.

French interior minister Bruno Retailleau announced that the agreement between France and the UK to prevent Channel crossings would take effect soon. He described it as an experimental mechanism aimed at dismantling smuggling networks and a first step in addressing the challenge, emphasizing the need for broader European Union involvement.