Sir Keir Starmer’s “one-in, one-out” migrant returns deal could be scuppered by EU bureaucrats before it gets off the ground.
Starmer and Emmanuel Macron said the deal, which would see Channel migrants turned back and swapped for “legitimate asylum seekers” from France, would come into force in just weeks.
But the agreement requires the “legal verification” of both the European Commission and EU states, several of which have already lodged objections.
The Home Office is bracing for court challenges like those which derailed the Tories’ attempts to kickstart the Rwanda scheme.
These will likely include claims based on international human rights and refugee laws, but officials said they would quickly be able to establish a legal precedent that would speed through appeals.
Yvette Cooper’s department also suggested it was confident the claims would fail because France has also signed the ECHR.
Addressing the nation yesterday evening, Macron said: “This agreement will be signed once the legal verifications are carried out, including those of the European Union, and for it to be implemented thereafter as rapidly as possible.”
The French premier also jabbed that Britain had been “sold a lie” that leaving the EU would help reduce illegal migration.
But ardent Brexiteer and Reform UK deputy leader said in response: “Utter nonsense from arrogant Macron who cannot get over Brexit… He is no friend of Britain.”
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WATCH IN FULL: Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp speaks to GB News Breakfast
Yvette Cooper claims Brussels WILL back Britain’s migrant returns scheme
Yvette Cooper has claimed that Brussels will back Britain’s migrant returns scheme
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Yvette Cooper has claimed that Brussels will back Britain’s migrant returns scheme following reports it could be scuppered by EU bureaucrats before it gets off the ground.
“We have been talking to the EU commissioners. We’ve also been talking to other European interior ministers and governments throughout this process,” she said.
“The French Interior Minister and I have been speaking about this to develop this since October of last year, and the EU commissioners have been very supportive.
“So that is why we have designed this in a way to work, not just for the UK and France, but in order to fit with all their concerns as well.”
Asked whether she was confident it would be signed off by the EU, she told LBC: “Because we’ve done that work all the way through, we do expect the EU Commission to continue to be supportive.”
Zia Yusuf issues scathing swipe at Labour’s priorities as GDP slumps and migrant crossings surge
Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf has lashed out at Labour’s “priorities” following two days of damning headlines for the Chancellor and the Channel.
He said: “UK GDP declined 0.1 per cent in May after a 0.3 per cent decline in April. Illegal boat crossings at all time highs.
“Labour said growth and stopping the boats were priorities. Imagine how the non-priorities are going.”
Keir Starmer: ‘We’re smashing the gangs’
The Prime Minister has hailed his migrant returns deal with France this morning in a brief message hailing how he is “smashing the gangs”.
“By resetting our relationships across Europe, my Government has made new levels of co-operation possible,” he said.
“For the first time, migrants arriving via small boat will be detained and returned to France – smashing the business model of people-smuggling gangs.”
Mel Stride heaps pressure on Labour as Rachel Reeves ‘creates ticking tax time bomb’
Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said following this morning’s GDP figures: “Thanks to Labour’s reckless choices the economy actually shrank in May.
“This will pile even further pressure for tax rises in the autumn.
“Labour’s costly U-turns, on winter fuel and welfare, have created a ticking tax time bomb.”
Yvette Cooper and Chris Philp to speak to GB News – follow live
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and her shadow counterpart Chris Philp will be speaking to GB News Breakfast over the next hour.
You can watch GB News live HERE – and we’ll bring you their grillings at the hands of Christopher Hope and Dawn Neesom on this live blog as soon as they come in.
GDP growth FALLS by 0.1% as Rachel Reeves admits: ‘I’m disappointed’
GDP growth slipped by 0.1 per cent in May 2025
TREASURY
GDP growth slipped by 0.1 per cent in May 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in a fresh blow to Rachel Reeves’s much-hailed growth plans.
The Chancellor, following the news, admitted she was “disappointed” as she vowed she was “determined to kickstart economic growth”.
“Getting more money in people’s pockets is my number one mission,” she said.
“While today’s figures are disappointing, I am determined to kickstart economic growth and deliver on that promise.
“There’s more to do, that’s why in the spending review we boosted investment and jobs, through better city region transport and record funding for affordable homes, as well as backing major projects like Sizewell C.”
READ THE FULL STORY ON GDP GROWTH HERE
Reform UK hails quadruple by-election success as Tories trounced nationwide
Reform UK has hailed a quadruple by-election success after Nigel Farage’s party secured four more councillors across the country last night.
Reform surged to victory in Bassetlaw, Hartlepool, Tewkesbury and Rotherham overnight – with Zia Yusuf offering his congratulations this morning.
The Conservatives failed to win a single seat – and as a result, one Reform UK source told The Spectator: “The Tory vote is collapsing all over the country.
“Agent Kemi needs to keep up her great work for Wales and Scotland.”
Keir Starmer convenes Cabinet for emergency ‘away day’ at Chequers to address chaotic first year in power
Sir Keir Starmer and his Cabinet are heading on an “away day” to Chequers in a bid to revitalise Labour’s governance after a year in power.
With a migrant returns deal having finally been agreed, but the Government battling sluggish growth, dire polling and rebellious backbenchers, ministers will be locked in emergency talks from lunchtime in a bid to turn the ship around.
Attendees are set to arrive at around midday before a meal, then meetings of both regular – i.e., with civil servants – and political Cabinet.