House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
UK-France Migration Co-operation
11 July 2025 · Home Office
Proposed by Yvette Cooper Lab Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- UK and France have agreed to a pilot programme to return small boat migrants from the UK to France.
- The programme includes a new legal route for documented individuals to enter the UK from France.
- Enhanced law enforcement cooperation will disrupt criminal gangs involved in migrant smuggling.
Issue summary
The statement discusses a UK-France agreement to return small boat migrants from the UK to France in exchange for an equal number of people being allowed into the UK through a new legal route, as part of a broader strategy to tackle illegal migration and dangerous crossings.
Action requested
This pilot programme will enable readmission of small boat arrivals from the UK to France while allowing fully documented individuals who haven't attempted illegal entry to enter the UK from France. The initiative includes enhanced law enforcement cooperation and operational measures, including new specialist units in France to disrupt criminal gangs involved in smuggling.
Key facts
- The agreement is a pilot scheme between the UK and France.
- It will be operationalised over the coming weeks.
- A one-for-one approach for readmitting small boat arrivals from the UK to France.
- An equal number of people will enter the UK through a new legal route, subject to strict security checks.
- New specialist units in Dunkirk and Lille - Groupe d’Appui Operationnel.
- Enhanced intelligence sharing and returns procedures.
- French maritime review ongoing with support from the UK.