A record number of 16 illegal migrants have been returned to
France this week in the largest group flight yet, bringing
the total number of returns to 42.
The Home Secretary has pledged to “scale up removals to France”
in a stark warning to those attempting to enter the country
illegally.
The previous government's Rwanda policy consumed years of effort
and hundreds of millions in public funds yet removed only four
people. Within weeks of our new arrangement with France, the
Government has successfully removed 42 illegal
migrants.
The UK-France treaty allows the rapid detention and
removal of individuals who enter illegally via small
boats.
Further flights to France under this pilot scheme are scheduled
to take place over the coming days and weeks, as the Government
looks to work with the French government to scale up the
scheme.
Home Secretary said:
For many years, illegal migrants entered our country with no
consequence.
This is the largest return flight under our historic deal with
the French. And it sends a warning to those considering entering
this country illegally: if you come here by small boat, you can
be sent back.
This is just the beginning – I will scale up these removals to
France. And I will do whatever it takes to secure our
borders.”
This comes after the UK Government sent border security officers
to the Balkans last week to disrupt illegal migration routes and
explore new enforcement techniques that could see UK law
enforcement and border security operations alongside Frontex in
the Western Balkans to track down and arrest people
smugglers.
This follows the UK National Crime Agency leading 350 disruptions
of immigration crime networks over the last year – its highest
level on record and a 40% increase on the previous 12
months.
The UK Government continues to work with France to operate a
tightly controlled legal route for an equal number of eligible
individuals to come to the UK, subject to rigorous security
checks. This legal pathway reflects the strength of the UK-France
relationship.
This pilot scheme will continue to be ramped up, with both
countries having committed to continuously improving the process
of this innovative approach.
This continued work as part of the government's plan for change
demonstrates the comprehensive approach to securing borders
through international cooperation, operational enforcement, and
decisive action against criminal networks facilitating illegal
migration.
