First migrants arrive in UK from France under 'one in one out' deal

A family of three, including a small child, have become the first people to arrive in Britain under a "one-in, one-out" deal with France.

The UK struck a deal with France to create a legal route for asylum seekers to dissuade people from making the Channel crossing in small boats. The first migrants have been deported to France under the agreement.

The Home Office said the move was part of "critical first steps" under the scheme, following the removal of four people from Britain.

A spokesperson said: "This is a clear message to people-smuggling gangs that illegal entry into the UK will not be tolerated.

"We will continue to detain and remove those who arrive by small boat. And we will work with France to operate a legal route for an equal number of eligible migrants to come to the UK subject to security checks."

READ MORE: Keir Starmer blasts Nigel Farage over 'unrealistic' plans that 'foster division'

It comes as the Government battles to stem the flow of people making the perilous journey to Britain in small boats. Some 32,188 people have arrived in Britain by small boat so far in 2025, with more than 1,000 in a single day last Friday, after returns to Paris commenced under the deal.

The Government intends to increase the number of people being sent back under the pilot agreement, which runs initially until June next year.

READ MORE: Watch the Mirror's new YouTube show Party Games as politicians spill secrets of being an MP