Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus have raised strong objections to the proposed UK-France agreement aimed at tackling the surge of small boats crossing the English Channel. The so-called “one-in, one-out” migrant returns deal, currently being negotiated by UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, faces significant hurdles after these EU nations warned it could shift responsibility onto other member states.
The plan would allow Britain to send illegal migrants who cross the Channel back to France. In exchange, the UK would accept migrants with legitimate claims, such as family reunification. However, a letter sent by the five EU countries to the European Commission—seen by the Financial Times—expressed concerns that existing EU rules could permit France to deport migrants received from Britain back to the country where they first entered the European Union.
“We take note—with a degree of surprise—of the reported intention of France to sign a bilateral readmission arrangement,” the letter said. The countries warned that the initiative raised “serious concerns… procedurally and in terms of potential implications for other member states, particularly those of first entry.”
The objections come at a critical time, as the UK is experiencing a record number of migrants arriving in small boats, with 18,518 recorded this year—a 42% increase compared to the same period last year. The deal was expected to be announced at an upcoming summit between Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron, aiming to pilot a system designed to reduce the “pull factor” drawing migrants to the UK.
Under the proposed arrangement, a joint UK-France processing system would identify migrants eligible to join family members in the UK. For each migrant resettled in Britain, an illegal migrant would be returned to designated locations in France, away from the Channel’s northern coast. The scheme also includes biometric tracking to prevent repeat attempts by migrants to return to the UK.
Government sources emphasized that the pilot would serve as a “proof of concept” and avoid the problems associated with previous controversial plans like the Rwanda deportation scheme. Meanwhile, French authorities are preparing to enforce a new law allowing them to intercept migrant boats up to 300 meters offshore—a move UK ministers hope will further stem crossings.
The objections from the five EU countries threaten to derail the deal, adding complexity to already tense migration discussions. With Channel crossings at record levels, finding an effective and cooperative approach remains a priority for all parties involved.
