UK Sees Rise in Small Boat Crossings Despite “One In, One Out” Policy
Recent figures reveal a continued influx of migrants arriving in the UK via small boats across the English Channel, prompting criticism of the Labor government’s “one in, one out” immigration policy. The policy, intended to deter crossings by returning individuals who arrive illegally to France, has been met with skepticism regarding its effectiveness.
According to reported data, the last Conservative government left the UK’s borders “in crisis,” a situation the current Labour governance, led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, is attempting to address. Mahmood stated that her government has detained and removed over 35,000 individuals staying in the UK illegally, but acknowledged the need for “faster” and more comprehensive action, including increased removals and preventing small boat crossings.
The “one in, one out” scheme operates under a treaty with France, aiming to return individuals who arrive in the UK illegally to France, while simultaneously resettling a limited number of asylum seekers directly from France into the UK. As of Sunday,42 individuals had been returned to France in the largest group flight yet,while 23 asylum seekers have been brought to the UK under the treaty.
However, concerns are being raised about the conditions faced by those returned to France. Maddie Harris, founder and director of Humans for Rights Network, recently visited asylum seekers sent back under the scheme and reported widespread experiences of violence and exploitation at the hands of smugglers and traffickers in France, including physical assault, sexual violence, and forced participation in boat steering. Returned individuals have also expressed feeling unsafe in France and highlighted the destitution faced by many asylum seekers already present there.
Moreover, some returned individuals have been identified through the EU’s Dublin scheme, which designates the first EU country of arrival as responsible for processing an asylum claim.
France’s interior ministry maintains that conditions for returned asylum seekers are adequate, stating thay are being accommodated while their cases are assessed and offered assistance with voluntary return to their home countries. the ministry affirmed its commitment to implementing “Dublin” transfers, removing asylum seekers to the EU country where they initially applied.
The UK Home Office has reiterated its commitment to border security, stating it will “do everything in its power to remove those without the legal right to be here,” and will remove individuals who attempt to re-enter the UK illegally after being returned under the pilot scheme.
Critics, including Nigel Farage, argue the policy is failing, suggesting it benefits people smugglers. the Liberal Democrats have called on Labour to demonstrate concrete action to fulfill its promises on immigration.
