Children ‘detained’ under Starmer’s one-in one-out migrant swap deal with France
Concerns raised after boys detained under new asylum seeker deal
- Children have been detained for removal to France under Sir Keir Starmer’s flagship migrant swap deal, charity caseworkers have revealed.
- Two 17-year-olds, who arrived in the UK on small boats, were released from detention at Brook House immigration centre after concerns were raised about their age.
- Those detained under the scheme, including the teenagers, received notices of intent for deportation, citing evidence of their prior presence or connection to France.
- Charities have expressed serious concerns about the unlawful detention of minors, inadequate safeguarding, and the limited seven-day window for detainees to access legal advice and challenge their notices.
- While no transfers have yet occurred under the UK-France agreement, the Home Office maintains that each case is assessed individually and in line with all legal obligations.