LONDON: Britain and France agreed Thursday to a pilot plan that will send some migrants who cross the English Channel on small boats back to France as the UK government struggles to tamp down criticism that it has lost control of the country’s borders.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deal Thursday in London. While the initial programme covers a limited number of people, UK officials suggest it is a major breakthrough because it sets a precedent that migrants who reach Britain illegally can be returned to France.
“There is no silver bullet here, but with a united effort, new tactics and a new level of intent, we can finally turn the tables,” Starmer told reporters at a news conference. “For the very first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France in short order.”