First illegal migrants get arrested after two-sided deal between Britain, France

2025-08-07 07:46:57

(MENAFN) The first illegal migrants have been detained under a new bilateral return agreement between Britain and France, the British government confirmed on Thursday.

"We have detained the first illegal migrants under our new deal before returning them to France," Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on X. "If you break the law to enter this country, you will face being sent back," he added.

According to the Home Office, the individuals were apprehended after arriving on a small boat on Wednesday and are set to be returned to France in the coming weeks.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper did not specify the number of migrants involved, citing security reasons. "The transfers to immigration removal centers are under way as we speak, so we won't provide operational details at this point that criminal gangs can simply use and exploit," she said.

The new return policy has already drawn criticism, with opponents questioning whether it will act as an effective deterrent to irregular migration.

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