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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Holly Bancroft

Blow for Starmer as five EU countries oppose ‘one in, one out’ migrant deal with France

Migrants sail onboard a smuggler's boat in an attempt to cross the English Channel off the beach of Neufchatel-Hardelot, northern France on June 18, 2025. - (AFP via Getty Images)

Five EU countries have criticised a proposed “one in, one out” migration deal between France and Britain, saying it could see asylum seekers returned to their shores instead.

Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron are working on an agreement that would reportedly see Britain return small boat migrants to France in exchange for asylum seekers with families ties in the UK.

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