An Eritrean man has become the second migrant to be returned to France under the UK’s “one in, one out” deal, after a last-minute legal bid failed. This marks the first time ministers have successfully defended the scheme in court, strengthening the government’s hand in its efforts to deter small boat crossings.
Court Ruling Clears the Way
- On Friday, the man was flown from Heathrow Airport to Paris on an Air France flight.
- He was accompanied by three Home Office officials and later handed over to French police.
- High Court judge Mr Justice Sheldon ruled that France is a “safe country” with safeguards equivalent to the UK under the European Convention on Human Rights.
The judge added:
It is in the public interest for the flight to depart as part of a strategy to disrupt smuggling gangs posing serious risks to life.
The Migrant’s Journey
- The man arrived in England in August by small boat.
- In an emergency hearing, he explained he had fled Eritrea in 2019 to avoid forced conscription.
- His journey took him through Ethiopia, South Sudan, Libya, and France, where he lived rough before reaching Dunkirk.
On the flight, wearing a white hoodie, he told the BBC he felt “very bad” to be back in France and admitted:
“I don’t know” what he would do next.
French officials confirmed he would be sent to a migrant accommodation centre, with eight days to claim asylum or return to his home country.
Legal and Political Context
- Earlier in the week, another Eritrean man won a temporary reprieve after arguing he may have been a victim of modern slavery.
- Following that, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ordered officials to clarify that slavery claims can continue even after migrants are removed to safe countries.
This ruling contrasts sharply with the previous government’s £700m Rwanda plan, blocked by the Supreme Court on human rights grounds.
UK-France “One In, One Out” Deal
- Announced just over a month ago, the pilot scheme swaps one migrant returned to France with another migrant—considered to have a strong asylum case—granted entry to the UK.
- The aim: to deter smugglers and reduce small boat crossings.
- On Thursday, an Indian national became the first person sent back under the agreement (without legal challenge).
- So far, around 100 men are in immigration removal centres near Heathrow awaiting possible return.
Crossings Continue
Despite windy weather last week, at least three boats left French beaches on Friday morning after conditions improved.
Since the scheme began in August, about 5,590 migrants have crossed the Channel.
Political Reactions
- US President Donald Trump, at the end of his UK state visit, suggested using the military to stop crossings.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer countered, pointing to existing international cooperation deals.
- Trade Secretary Peter Kyle called the removals “the first steps”, pledging:
“We will be ramping up from here.”
Neither London nor Paris claims the deal will end crossings on its own, but both see it as a critical first move.
