IS THIS JUST ANOTHER MISTEP?
Will this deal reduce Channel crossings, or will it fail like previous the previous ones?
10th of July. The day that heralded the deal that is being offered as the one that will finally break the criminal gangs that operate from Calais. Thereby, bring the numbers of “illegal migrants” from entering the country.
This is the deal that has been signed by Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron. The so called, ‘one-in, one-out’ deal.
The Independent
Press conference in Full: Starmer and Macron unveil migrant return deal after crunch talks.
By Holly Patrick.
Where Sir Keir Starmer told the joint press conference with Emmanuel Macron alongside, “In exchange for every return, a different individual will be allowed to come here via a safe route, controlled and legal, subject to strict security checks and only open those who have not tried to enter the UK illegally.”
“This will show others trying to make the same journey, that it will be in vain, and the jobs they have been promised in the UK will no longer exist because of the nationwide crackdown we’re delivering on illegal working, which is on a completely unprecedented scale.”
“The president and I have agreed that this pilot will be implemented in the coming weeks.”
So, What Does This Mean Really?
The Independent:
The article opens with a summary of Sir Keir Starmer's speech on how the treaty will affect illegal migrants entering the UK. Going into more detail as to how the deal will be enforced.
Normally, Migrants are picked up by Border Force vessels as they try to cross the Channel to get to Dover. Once they arrive, most do claim asylum. But according to the Independent under the new scheme, they will be transported to RAF Manston. Where they are told that they are to be returned to France. This is because France is known as a safe country, so when they left, taking an illegal route to the UK, they will be returned. Every adult would be given this notice. If, however, the migrants challenge the notice their ‘special’ circumstances will be considered. Any child rescued is not detained.
Biometric data and images are then sent to the French authorities, who will either accept the migrant or refuse them entry to France. It is thought that about 50 migrants per week would be sent back to France and handed to the authorities in Calais. If France decides that a migrant does have a strong claim they will be granted the right to cross the Channel legally.
Why is it needed?
It is Keir Starmer’s goal is to break the business model of the criminal gangs that are smuggling gangs to the UK.
Just this year the numbers are up 55% compared with the same period last year. Which means the Keir Starmer will have had the highest number of small boat crossings ever. Which has meant the costs of housing migrants, awaiting to have their claims processed have run into billions. The bill is ultimately paid by the taxpayer.
The deal is to overcome issues arising from Brexit, which stopped the UK from returning the small boats to Calais. Due to the UK exiting the Dublin agreement at the same time as leaving the European Union.
Will it work?
The main criticism is that the numbers involved are small. Being estimated to be, ‘1 in 20 migrants that have crossed the Channel to the UK, being sent back to Calais.’ Chris Phelp, Conservative, and Shadow Home Secretary is quoted as saying that “94% of illegal migrants crossing the Channel will get to stay. That’s pathetic.”
Note, that the EU has to agree that the deal follows its rules. However, both the UK and France are confident that this will be done in weeks.
The government expects organisations that represent the migrants to challenge the deal. But they believe that the legal framework that is in place will allow the government to win in the courts.
My thoughts
So, we have seen what the deal is and what it aims for, as well as the upsides and pitfalls as seen by the ‘Independent’. From the ‘Independent’ and the proclamation from Sir Keir Starmer along with The French President, Emmanuel Macron, told by the BBC. To see why it might not work in more detail, I will go to an article by ‘The Telegraph’, who interviewed Dr Madelaine Sumption, who is the director of Oxford University’s Migration Observatory. This, I feel will give a deeper thought to why the deal might fail according to Dr Madelaine Sumption and changes that may make it more able to achieve the aims of the deal.