UK-France returns deal

Over the course of a week from the end of July 2025, the Government made a deal with France and commenced operations in connection with that deal for the UK to return to France people arriving in the UK by small boat from France.

In return for France receiving people from the UK, the Government has agreed to receive an equal number of people from France to the UK.

This RMR Programme briefing explains the deal and the mechanisms set up by the UK for its operation; sets out why Amnesty UK is opposed to this deal; and briefly explains why this deal (like similar policies) can be expected to harm people, waste public funds, and be generally counter-productive.