The conversation around immigration in the UK just got a lot louder—and a lot more heated. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has landed in hot water after making bold claims about his government’s latest migrant returns deal with France.
But critics say what’s being presented as a breakthrough is little more than political theatre.
Starmer’s Social Media Statement Draws Fire
It all started when Starmer took to X (formerly Twitter) to boast that anyone entering the UK illegally would be swiftly returned under Labour’s new “one in, one out” agreement with France. “No gimmicks, just results,” he wrote.
However, that confident tone didn’t sit well with many, including opposition voices who say Starmer is “gaslighting” the nation by massively overstating the plan’s impact.
Critics argue that the scale of the scheme is tiny, its legal path murky, and the results far from guaranteed.
What’s Actually Happening with This Migrant Return Plan?
Labour claims it has detained its first group of small boat arrivals under the new return treaty with France.
However, the Home Office has refused to confirm how many people were actually held or whether any have been sent back yet.
Legal experts warn that most of these returns could take months—or longer—thanks to likely legal appeals on human rights grounds.
Under current laws, anyone claiming to be under 18 or raising issues like modern slavery or asylum will be protected from immediate removal.
Critics Say It’s a “Bogus Deal” with Very Little Impact
The opposition hasn’t held back. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called Starmer’s social media announcement a gross misrepresentation of reality.
“Only 6% of illegal arrivals will actually be removed,” he said, adding that this sends the wrong message to people smugglers, who are already having a record-breaking year under Labour.
Former Tory Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg went even further, branding the deal a complete sham.
“It’s fake, it’s phony, it’s a cheat on the British people,” he told GB News.
He pointed to the various legal loopholes that could prevent most removals from ever happening.
A Closer Look at the Detentions
Yesterday, the first group of Channel migrants selected for removal was seen arriving at a detention centre.
The individuals had previously been processed at the former RAF Manston base in Kent.
Home Office footage shows a handful of men in grey tracksuits entering the facility, their faces blurred for anonymity.
In total, 155 people crossed the Channel on Wednesday, pushing the year’s total to over 25,500—a 45% jump from this time last year.
Those not selected for removal are expected to be transferred to hotels funded by UK taxpayers.
Legal Challenges Already Taking Shape
Just as happened with the previous Conservative government’s controversial Rwanda deportation plan, pro-migrant groups are already gearing up for legal action.
Organizations like Care4Calais are reportedly in early talks to challenge Labour’s plan in court.
Steve Smith from Care4Calais didn’t mince words, describing the scheme as “morally repugnant” and “abhorrent.”
His group previously played a key role in legally blocking the Rwanda plan, and it seems Labour’s version may be headed down the same road.
So, What’s Next?
With legal pushback on the horizon and questions about the deal’s long-term feasibility—especially with the next French presidential election looming—it’s unclear how much real impact this plan will have.
For now, Labour may have gained a few headlines, but if the past is any indication, the road ahead will be anything but smooth.