UK and France seek new deal to curb illegal migration
UK Prime Minister Starmer and French President Macron discussed a new bilateral framework to deter illegal migration and enhance cross-border cooperation.
In a bid to strengthen cooperation on migration control, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with French President Emmanuel Macron in London on July 9, urging deeper bilateral efforts to tackle the rising flow of illegal migration across the English Channel.
The meeting, held on the final day of Macron’s official visit to the UK, was reported by Reuters as a key moment in Starmer’s efforts to negotiate a new agreement that would allow Britain to return illegal migrants to France. In exchange, the UK would accept legal asylum seekers through a structured “one in, one out” system.
Under this proposed plan, migrants who arrive in the UK through irregular means—such as small boats—would be sent back to France. In return, Britain would admit an equal number of vetted, legal refugees from abroad.
President Macron, during the talks, emphasized the need for the UK to address the root causes of illegal migration. He suggested that the British government should reduce incentives, such as informal employment opportunities, which often draw undocumented migrants.
The UK has witnessed a growing number of illegal Channel crossings in recent years, with migration becoming a major political issue. Starmer is under increasing domestic pressure to deliver results amid declining approval ratings and the electoral rise of Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party.
British officials believe that renewed cooperation with France could offer a practical alternative to more controversial deterrence policies such as deportation flights to Rwanda. The UK has been seeking closer cross-border collaboration post-Brexit to manage asylum and border control challenges more effectively.
While no formal migration deal was announced following the meeting, diplomatic sources confirmed that negotiations are ongoing. A joint framework may be revealed in the coming months if both sides reach a consensus.
This renewed dialogue marks a shift in the UK’s migration policy—moving toward bilateral, pragmatic solutions with European partners while trying to balance domestic political pressures and humanitarian responsibilities.
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