Blow for Starmer as five EU countries oppose ‘one in, one out’ migrant deal with France
Fierce opposition to deal aimed at tackling small boats crisis
- Five EU countries – Italy, Greece, Spain, Malta, and Cyprus – have raised concerns about a proposed "one in, one out" migration deal between the UK and France.
- The deal, reportedly being negotiated by Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, would involve Britain returning small boat migrants to France in exchange for asylum seekers with UK family ties.
- These five nations, often the first point of entry for irregular migrants, fear the agreement could lead to asylum seekers being returned to their shores under existing EU rules.
- They have formally objected to the European Commission, arguing against a bilateral deal that could have direct or indirect consequences for other member states.
- The proposed UK-France deal is expected to be unveiled during Emmanuel Macron's visit to London in early July, following a significant increase in small boat crossings to the UK in early 2025.