UK-France deal aimed at reducing number of migrants crossing Channel in small boats is scrapped

A pilot U.K.-France arrangement meant to reduce Channel crossings in small boats has been scrapped, the British government said Wednesday. The Home Office said the “one in, one out” plan is no longer processing new cases. Under the scheme, people who reached the U.K. after the dangerous crossing could be detained and sent back to France, in exchange for an equal number of asylum seekers applying through a safe and legal route. The program was set to last three years but included an earlier termination clause. Around 1,500 people were returned to France, with slightly fewer transferred to the U.K. Even with the scheme ended, deportation flights will continue for those already detained.