UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a 'one in, one out' migrant returns deal to address Channel crossings. The agreement allows for the automatic return of a small proportion of migrants reaching Britain from France, in exchange for the UK offering safe routes for an equivalent number of asylum seekers from France. The deal is seen as a step towards a more humane approach but faces questions regarding its implementation and legality from the European Commission and other European countries.
The Guardian view on Starmer and Macron’s Channel crossings deal: safe routes hold the key to future progress
Foreign policyImmigration and asylumEmmanuel MacronKeir StarmerFrancePoliticsEurope
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a 'one in, one out' migrant returns deal to address Channel crossings. The agreement allows for the automatic return of a small proportion of migrants reaching Britain from France, in exchange for the UK offering safe routes for an equivalent number of asylum seekers from France. The deal is seen as a step towards a more humane approach but faces questions regarding its implementation and legality from the European Commission and other European countries.
Trending- 1 Last year: Record 86 deaths at sea due to Channel crossings.
- 2 This week: Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK.
- 3 This week: Announcement of the 'one in, one out' migrant returns deal.
- Potential reduction in Channel crossings
- Establishment of limited safe routes for asylum seekers
- Ongoing legal challenges and scrutiny from European partners
- Potential for the scheme to be scaled up if successful
What: UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced a 'one in, one out' migrant returns deal.
When: This week (during Macron's state visit).
Where: UK and France (specifically regarding Channel crossings).
Why: To halt Channel crossings, which led to a record 86 deaths at sea last year, and to combat the 'performative outrage' of figures like Nigel Farage with a more humane, 'social democratic' response.
How: France agreed to automatically return a small proportion of migrants reaching Britain on small boats, and in exchange, the UK will offer safe routes from France for an equivalent number of asylum seekers.