UK and France in talks over migrant returns deal
The UK government is in negotiations with France on a scheme to return illegal migrants who have crossed the Channel in small boats.
In return, the British government would accept legal migrants seeking family reunion in the UK.
The French interior ministry told the BBC this would be a pilot scheme based on “a one-for-one principle”, with the aim of discouraging smuggling networks.
The Conservatives said Labour’s decision to scrap the Rwanda deportation agreement last year had removed a deterrent to illegal immigration.
UK Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the government was talking to France about migration issues but did not comment on the possibility of a removals deal.
Source: BBC | Language: English