UK and France Strike Deal to Curb Migrants From Illegally Crossing English Channel

Officials say the new deal is meant to deter migrants from entering the UK illegally by sea.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron shake hands as they hold a press conference during a joint military visit to the Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) center in Northwood, London, on July 10, 2025. Leon Neal/PA

France and the UK have struck an agreement aimed at preventing migrants from illegally crossing the English Channel in small boats.

Under the new returns pilot scheme, announced on Thursday, around 50 illegal immigrants a week will be sent back to France in return for Britain taking the same number of asylum-seekers in France, under a legal route.