Starmer’s ‘One In, One Out’ Migrant Deal Slammed as ‘Symbolic Stunt’ by Charities
London, UK – 16 July 2025
Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s proposed “one in, one out” migration agreement with France has come under fire from leading refugee and human rights organisations, who claim the plan is “a drop in the ocean” and fails to address the root causes of irregular migration across the English Channel.
The policy, which aims to return one migrant who arrived in the UK via small boats for every legal asylum seeker accepted from France, was unveiled as part of Labour’s renewed efforts to tackle illegal migration and “restore order” to the asylum system. Starmer hailed the agreement as a “pragmatic and fair” solution that would reward legal routes while deterring dangerous crossings.
However, multiple UK-based and international charities say the policy oversimplifies a complex humanitarian challenge. Refugee Action CEO Tim Naor Hilton called the deal “a political soundbite rather than a real solution.”
“This one-in, one-out policy does nothing to address why people are risking their lives in the first place,” Hilton said. “It fails to expand safe routes and instead focuses on numbers, not human lives.”
The British Red Cross echoed the sentiment, warning that focusing solely on bilateral removals and quotas would not reduce the flow of people fleeing war, persecution, or climate disasters.
“People will continue to take risks if there are no safer options available. This approach sidesteps the issue entirely,” said a spokesperson.
Meanwhile, critics from within Parliament argue that the deal lacks enforceability and could worsen diplomatic relations with France, which has previously pushed back on accepting returns without broader EU-level cooperation. A French interior ministry official told Le Monde that the “symbolic nature” of the proposal raises questions over its practicality.
From the opposition benches, the Liberal Democrats labelled the plan “window dressing,” while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called it “a toothless gesture that won’t stop the boats.”
Despite the backlash, Downing Street insists the agreement will be part of a “multi-pronged” approach, including an expanded Border Security Command and additional investment in French coastal surveillance. Labour officials say the policy is meant to send a clear signal that “safe and legal” migration is the only acceptable route.
But charities warn that without major investment in processing systems, global resettlement programmes, and community support services, such deals may end up being more rhetoric than reform.
Background
Since taking office, Prime Minister Starmer has promised to reduce illegal migration while honouring Britain’s commitment to international asylum laws. Channel crossings hit record highs in 2024, with over 60,000 arrivals by small boat—sparking mounting public concern and political pressure.
Labour’s deal with France comes after the previous Conservative government's controversial Rwanda deportation scheme was scrapped, following legal challenges and diplomatic standoffs.
Looking Ahead
The migration debate is set to dominate the autumn parliamentary session, with Labour pledging to pass a new Borders and Safe Routes Act before the end of the year. However, with mounting criticism from both the right and the left, Starmer may find himself walking a political tightrope.