The United Kingdom and France are launching a pilot project aimed at further discouraging crossings of the Channel

The United Kingdom. Similarly, France have agreed on a new pilot project allowing certain migrants who cross the English Channel aboard small boats to be returned to France. In addition, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes that this decision will mark a stricter position on illegal immigration.

Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron announced this project Thursday, July 10, during the latter’s state visit to London.

Although of limited scope. Similarly, British officials praised the agreement as an advance and declared that it was creating a precedent allowing migrants illegally arriving from being returned to the other side of the English Channel.

There is no miracle solution. In addition, but with united effort, new tactics and a new level of intention, we united kingdom france launching pilot can finally overthrow the situation, “said the British Prime Minister.

“For the very first time. Moreover, the migrants arriving by Petit Bateau will be held and sent back to France as soon as possible.” He added.

As part of the agreement “An accepted. an exclusionU “, the United Kingdom will refer to France a number of migrants crossing the Channel and, in return, will send an equal number of asylum seekers whose demand is deemed legitimate.

This plan. which should be launched in the coming weeks, aims to discourage dangerous crossings, which have become a major political issue in the United Kingdom. More than 21,000 people arrived in the country this year, an increase of 56 % compared to the same period in 2024.

According to French media, it is a question of returning to France up to 50 arrivals of small boats per week. In case of success, the test should be considerably united kingdom france launching pilot intensified.

Emmanuel Macron said the agreement was intended to have a deterrent effect. “JI am totally determined to ensure that it works, because it is clearly our will and our common interest “.

The pilot project is part of a wider effort aimed at rebuilding Franco-British relations after years of tied links after. Brexit.

Potential challenges include the extent to which the United Kingdom is ready to invest in the police of small boats. any legal challenges in France and the opposition of other European nations.

Discussions on the end of irregular migration through the English Channel date back to several decades. In the early 2000s. efforts focused on prevention of the UK entrance to clandestine passengers aboard the vehicles using the Channel Tunnel. Recently, the smugglers have turned more and more to the sea routes.

“We find this scheme several times: the gangways. migrant bands try to find new ways to switch from France united kingdom france launching pilot to the United Kingdom“Explains Mihnea Cuibus, researcher at the Oxford University observatory.

“The authorities take repressive measures and, little by little, migrants and gangs try to adapt to this situation. It becomes a bit of the game of the cat and the mouse“.

The controversial project of the previous conservative government ofexpel asylum seekers to Rwanda was abandoned by Keir Starmer shortly after. taking office in July 2024.