UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Number 10 insists deportations under the UK-France scheme are on track, denying shambles as flights leave Heathrow without any migrants on board.
As reported by The Independent, migrant deportations under the UK-France “one in, one out” deal have yet to start amid delays.
What did Number 10 say about delays in UK-France migrant deportations?
Number 10Number 10 rejected reports that the UK-France return deal under PM Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron was in chaos, insisting court challenges have not delayed government plans.
When questioned whether the recent delay indicated a shambles, the Prime Minister’s spokesman responded firmly, “No.”
The spokesman refuted claims that the postponement left ministers powerless, stressing the government was fully in charge.
He said,
“As I said, we have never provided an operational running commentary on the details of the scheme.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman confirmed updates on detentions are forthcoming, with deportations expected to take place “imminently.”
A Government insider added that the first deportation flights under the UK-France agreement are set to take place this week.
What caused the latest Air France migrant flights from Heathrow to be empty?
On Tuesday, a second Air France flight departed Heathrow carrying no migrants, sources report. Insiders said a small group of migrants were removed from Monday’s 15 September flight due to a legal dispute.
In July, ministers agreed on a pilot scheme aimed at reducing the surge in small boat arrivals. The initial migrant detentions started last month under the new deal, with individuals held at immigration centres awaiting deportation.
According to The Telegraph, a migrant removed from Monday’s flight was due to leave on Tuesday, but the departure has now been postponed.
The Sun said multiple seats on Tuesday’s Air France flight were empty, even though staff confirmed it was fully booked.
The UK-France deal lets Britain return asylum seekers from France while accepting those approved to enter the UK. France will initially accept only a small number of deportees, while the UK hopes to scale up removals to curb Channel small boat crossings.
A total of 31,026 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, setting a record for this period since 2018.
What did Alex Davies-Jones say about deportation updates?
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said she would not provide a “running commentary” on deportations.
She stated doing so would give people-smuggling gangs “exactly what they want.”
Ms Davies-Jones declined to confirm when, or if, asylum seekers from France under the scheme would still fly to the UK later this week.
What did Kemi Badenoch say about postponed migrant deportations under the Labour deal?
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called it “extraordinary” that the first deportations under the UK-France returns agreement were reportedly delayed.
She said,
“This is exactly what I said would happen. Labour had a one in, one out deal with France.”
Ms Badenoch added,
“They failed to get anybody out, and we’re still taking in more people from France, so we’re still having net increase in immigration based on this deal. It is extraordinary that Labour are not able to deport one person. There was only one migrant on that flight.”
What did Zia Yusuf say about Labour’s deportation scheme?
Reform UK’s head of policy Zia Yusuf, stated,
“This is of no surprise to anyone. This Labour Government is wasting taxpayers’ money on a completely hollow and unworkable scheme.”
He added,
“Without leaving the ECHR, disapplying international treaties like the 1951 Refugee Convention and a total legal reset, no government will be able to get deportations off the ground.”
Keir Starmer’s views on the UK-France deportation deal
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated,
“This ground-breaking deal is a crucial further step in turning the tide on illegal small boat crossings and restoring order to our immigration system.”
He said,
“For the first time illegal migrants will be sent back to France – targeting the heart of these gangs’ business model and sending a clear message that these life-threatening journeys are pointless.”
Mr Starmer added,
“By resetting our relationships across Europe we’ve made levels of co-operation possible never seen before. This is about grip not gimmicks, and what serious government looks like – taking down these criminal enterprises piece by piece as we secure our borders through my Plan for Change.”
Key facts about the asylum seekers in the UK
The UK saw 111,000 asylum applications by June 2025, a 14% rise. Top nationalities include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Bangladesh, with 15% of small boat arrivals from Afghanistan.
The system has 224,700 cases pending, and 67% of asylum seekers wait over a year for decisions. Processing delays continue despite efforts to reduce the backlog.