Illegal Boat Migrants Will Now Be Sent to New Destinations as UK and France Reveal Plans

The UK government has confirmed that it is currently in talks with the French government to find new ways to send migrants back to Europe. This comes after more than 700 people arrived in the UK by small boats on Tuesday alone  the highest number so far this year.

One idea being discussed is a trial plan where migrants who come to the UK illegally by crossing the English Channel could be returned to France. In exchange, the UK would accept some asylum seekers from France who have legal reasons to come to Britain — such as those who already have close family living here.

Both governments are exploring this “one-for-one” swap system, where for every migrant the UK sends back to France, it would take in a different person from France who has a proper claim to stay in the UK. This would help reduce illegal crossings and ensure support goes to those who truly need asylum.

Government minister Lilian Greenwood spoke on Sky News, confirming that talks are ongoing. She said the government is working hard to stop the dangerous and illegal business of people smuggling across the Channel. According to her, the UK has already been sending back people who don’t have the right to stay since the general election, and these numbers are at record highs.

This approach ties into Labour’s immigration plan, which was introduced in May 2024. In it, Sir Keir Starmer promised to fix the asylum system, set up a strong enforcement team, and reach a return agreement with EU countries. During the election, he also pledged to stop people smuggling gangs and prevent more migrants from risking their lives on dangerous boat journeys.

A government source said they’ve always planned to increase returns to Europe, with a focus on reuniting families and following legal processes. The source confirmed that they’re talking to several European countries, including France.

The Home Office also released a statement saying the UK and France are working closely together to stop small boat crossings. They’ve already agreed on some key steps — including creating a new elite French police unit to work on the coast, starting a special intelligence group, increasing the number of officers, and giving the French more powers to stop boats early, even in shallow water.

The UK is also strengthening its relationships with other European countries to tackle the shared problem of people smuggling. They hope that by working together, they can break apart the criminal networks that make money from sending people across the sea illegally.

So far, 2025 has been the busiest year ever recorded for small boat crossings since tracking began in 2018.