Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:
“These small boats crossings are utterly unacceptable and the vile people-smugglers behind them are wreaking havoc on our borders.
"Thanks to our deal with France, people crossing in small boats can be detained and the first removals have now begun.
"Protecting the UK border is my priority as Home Secretary and I will explore all options to restore order to our immigration system."
Background:
- The first return under the UK-France agreement occurred on 18th September 2025. The pilot will initially run until June 2026, allowing both countries to test and refine this new approach.
- In one year, we have returned more than 35,000 people with no right to be here – a 13% increase compared to the same period 12 months prior.
- 5,200 foreign national offenders have been returned – a 14% increase on the same period 12 months prior.
- Illegal working visits and arrests are up more than 50%.
- From 5 July 2024 to 4 July 2025 there have been 66 charter flights for returns to countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, 3 more than the 63 in the same period 12 months prior.
- From over 400 asylum hotels open in summer 2023, costing almost £9 million a day, there are now less than 210.
- On 5 August, the UK-France Returns Agreement came into effect. This treaty enables the return of small boat arrivals from the UK to France, with an equal number of individuals eligible to come to the UK through a new legal route.
- Data on small boat crossings for the last 7 days is will be made available here: Small boat arrivals: last 7 days - GOV.UK.