UK and France extend ‘one in, one out’ small boats pilot scheme until October
The UK and France have decided to extend their controversial 'one in, one out' small boats pilot scheme until October. This scheme aims to deter asylum seekers from crossing the Channel by returning one individual to France for each one brought to the UK. Despite the extension, many asylum seekers remain dismayed, citing ongoing crossings and concerns about their treatment in detention centers.
- ▪The 'one in, one out' scheme was initially set to end on June 11 but has now been extended to October 1.
- ▪Since the deal was signed, thousands of asylum seekers have continued to cross the Channel, although crossings have reduced by about a third this year.
- ▪As of April 28, 605 people have been returned to France under the scheme, while 581 have come to the UK.
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Pro-refugee protesters in Falkirk in August 2025. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The GuardianView image in fullscreenPro-refugee protesters in Falkirk in August 2025. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The GuardianImmigration and asylumUK and France extend ‘one in, one out’ small boats pilot scheme until OctoberAsylum seekers express dismay at continuation of scheme agreed last year that has failed to stop crossings in ChannelDiane TaylorSat 16 May 2026 17.07 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe Home Office is extending a controversial scheme to stop asylum seekers crossing the Channel in small boats, the Guardian has learned.The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, and the French president, Emmanuel Macron, signed a deal they hailed as “groundbreaking” last July, known as “one in, one out”.Under the…
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