More than 100 migrants who crossed the Channel in small boats have been detained in the United Kingdom, with the government confirming that they face removal to France under the new “one in, one out” scheme.
The Home Office stated that detentions have taken place over the past 24 hours, with those arriving from France being taken to detention centres ahead of potential deportation. Officials emphasised that the reciprocal arrangement with France means removals will begin alongside arrivals in the coming weeks.
Despite the government’s claims, no safe route applications to the UK have yet been granted. Reports from Calais suggest growing frustration among migrants who say they have received little to no response after applying through the official scheme. Many waiting on the French coast told journalists that the system feels unresponsive, raising doubts over its effectiveness.
On Sunday alone, more than 200 people crossed the Channel on small boats during clear weather conditions. In response, ministers announced plans for a large-scale communications campaign aimed at migrants in northern France, warning them that attempting the journey could result in immediate return to France and financial losses to criminal smuggling gangs.
The government has also dismissed suggestions that applicants need a fixed address to apply for safe routes, insisting that all applicants receive communication from the Home Office.
Political debate over migration policy continues to intensify. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is expected to unveil proposals for what he calls a mass deportation programme. His plan includes detaining new arrivals in military bases, expanding agreements with third countries such as Rwanda, and withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights. Farage has argued for replacing the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights.
Meanwhile, ministers within the Labour government accused Reform and the Conservatives of offering unrealistic migration policies. Home Office minister Angela Eagle said the government inherited a broken asylum and border system but is now rebuilding it. She pointed to £1 billion saved in asylum accommodation costs, increased removals of those with no legal right to remain, and new laws to make it easier to deport offenders.
Eagle criticised opposition parties for putting forward what she described as “fantasy solutions” that failed to reduce small boat crossings. She argued that illegal migration requires serious international cooperation and long-term policies, which the government claims only Labour is prepared to deliver.
With detentions now under way and removals expected to begin soon, the UK’s new approach to Channel crossings faces mounting scrutiny both at home and abroad.
