‘One-in, one-out’ small boats pilot plan comes into force

The UK-French “one-in, one-out” pilot scheme, aimed at reducing the number of small boats crossing the Channel, has come into force with detentions of illegal migrants due to start within days.

The deal will see some of those arriving in the UK in small boats detained and returned to France.

In exchange the UK will accept from France an equal number of asylum seekers provided they have not already tried to make the crossing and can pass security and eligibility checks.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the plan was a “product of months of grown-up diplomacy” which would “deliver real results”.

But the Conservatives said it would “make no difference whatsoever”.

Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron announced the agreement in July, but it was still subject to legal scrutiny by…