Nineteen more removed to France under ‘one in, one out’ scheme

Two large groups of migrants have been sent back to France in what the interior minister described as an “escalation” of the “one in, one out” agreement.

The government said nine people were suspended on Thursday, in addition to last week’s group of 10. Previous moves involved smaller numbers of people.

While the number of people extradited to France within the scope of the agreement increased to 26, England accepted 18 in return.

Ministers hope the plan will deter people from trying to enter the UK illegally in small boats by threatening to be deported to France, with properly vetted asylum seekers accepted in return.

But on Thursday, the Home Office confirmed that 1,075 migrants had crossed the Channel the previous day.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the recent return of larger groups would send a “clear message” to “think twice” about traveling to the UK illegally.

“We must put an end to these dangerous crossings that endanger lives and put money into the pockets of criminal gangs,” Mahmood said.

Thursday’s flight saw a regular deportation flight bound for Eastern Europe diverted to France to evacuate nine people.

The Home Office said more flights were planned “in the coming days and weeks”.