A minister has refused to reveal how many migrants will be returned to France this week under the Government's new "one in, one out" agreement with Paris. Baroness Jacqui Smith declined to provide specific numbers as the controversial deportation scheme prepares to begin.
Asylum seekers who crossed the English Channel in small boats are expected to be deported on commercial flights starting this week. The first removal flight could take place as early as Monday, barring any legal challenges.
Baroness Smith told Times Radio: "I've been clear that we're not going to talk about the details of the numbers that are going to be removed this week. But it is as a consequence of part of the action that the Government is taking to tackle the problem of illegal migration, particularly that, which I understand people are concerned about, relating to those that are coming across the Channel in small boats."
Returns agreement details
The pilot scheme represents part of Sir Keir Starmer's (Labour) deal with France to tackle irregular migration. Under the arrangement, the UK sends back Channel boat arrivals to France in exchange for approved asylum seekers who apply through official channels.
The first migrants were reportedly detained under this agreement on August 6. Reports suggest that formal removal directions have been issued to those who arrived on small boats last month, informing them they face deportation within five days.
Record Channel crossings
Channel boat arrivals have already exceeded 30,000 people this year. This marks the earliest point in any calendar year that this milestone has been reached since official data collection began in 2018.
Baroness Smith later told Sky News: "We're not going to be talking about specific numbers or specific timing. At some point in the future, it will be possible to see the impact that this is having on the overall numbers of people who are coming here and the increased numbers of people who have already been returned because they don't have a right to be in this country."
The minister acknowledged public concerns about irregular migration. She said: "Of course I understand people are worried about illegal migration, that's why we've taken the range of action that we've taken."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
