Overview
- A record 16 people were returned to France in one flight this week, taking total removals under the deal to 42 and legal transfers to the UK to 23.
- Another 369 people crossed the Channel on Saturday in seven boats, pushing the year’s total to 36,734, just 82 short of the 2024 tally of 36,816.
- The Home Office says further return flights are scheduled in the coming days as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledges to scale up removals.
- Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt told MPs only 12 civil servants are dedicated full time to running the scheme, though he said the broader plan will deliver.
- Hewitt highlighted delays to enhanced French maritime enforcement because of legal and training hurdles, which UK officials say would help prevent departures.