More than 1,000 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats on Friday, coinciding with the UK government’s confirmation that two men had been deported to France under its new bilateral returns agreement.
According to official figures, 1,072 people arrived in 13 small boats on a day of warm September weather, marking the third time in 2025 that the daily total has exceeded 1,000.
This brings the total number of Channel crossings so far this year to 32,103 – the highest figure ever recorded by this stage of the year.
The deportations form part of the government’s “one-in-one-out” plan, intended to deter irregular migration by ensuring that those arriving illegally risk being swiftly returned to France.
So far, three individuals have been deported since the deal was activated. An Indian national was removed on Thursday, followed by an Eritrean man and an Iranian man on Friday. The removal of the Eritrean migrant came after the government won a legal challenge.
Under the treaty, the UK has the power to immediately detain those who cross the Channel illegally and, within around two weeks, secure agreement with French authorities for their return. In exchange, France will transfer to the UK asylum seekers with strong claims, creating a reciprocal arrangement.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy praised the early returns, describing them as an “immediate deterrent” to would-be migrants.
However, the opposition has dismissed the scheme as ineffective. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the numbers returned so far were “pathetic” and argued the deal would offer “no deterrent effect whatsoever”.
Despite the criticism, ministers insist the pilot project will expand significantly in the coming months, with more deportations planned. The government also confirmed that the first group of asylum seekers is expected to arrive in Britain from France next week under the reciprocal part of the agreement.
Friday’s surge in crossings followed a period of eight consecutive days without arrivals, due to poor weather and sea conditions. Similar spikes occurred earlier this month, with 1,101 people crossing on 6 September after a comparable lull.
The Home Office maintains that the deal with France will play a key role in managing Channel crossings, even though officials in both London and Paris acknowledge it will not, on its own, bring an end to the people-smuggling trade.
