The Home Office has announced the successful returns of 19 illegal migrants from Britain to France over the past week thanks to Keir Starmer’s new deal with Emmanuel Macron. While seven migrants had previously been sent back individually on commercial flights, the 19 this week were group flights and the largest single number in one go to date.
It brings the total illegal migrants sent from Britain to France up to 26, compared to the 35,000 who’ve travelled the other way on small boats. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the deportations will send a “clear message” to people smugglers and those considering making the perilous journey. She said: “We must put an end to these dangerous crossings which put lives at risk and money in the pockets of criminal gangs.
“The contrast couldn’t be clearer. The last government’s Rwanda scheme took years and cost hundreds of millions of pounds, and failed to forcefully remove a single person. In a matter of weeks, we’ve returned 26 through our historic agreement with France.
“With flights to France now underway and ramping up, we are sending out a clear message: if you come here illegally, you face being detained and removed, so think twice before making that journey.”
The Home Office also claimed that enforcement activity against the gangs by the National Crime Agency is up 40% on last year.
However the Tories have warned that Sir Keir’s deal with Mr Macron will see only a “pathetic” number sent back and failed to act as a deterrent.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp warned: “Since this deal was announced, over 10,000 have crossed.
“Migrants in France are openly saying they don’t care and will cross anyway.
“They should bin the Human Rights Act for immigration matters and deport every single illegal immigrant immediately upon arrival – back to their home country or to somewhere like Rwanda.
“This government is weak and dishonest. They have lost control of our borders.”
The Home Office added that the government continues to work with France to operate a tightly controlled legal route for an equal number of eligible migrants who will be sent to the UK in return for the deportations.
Nine migrants have arrived in Britain this week through this new legal route.
