Britain withholds basic details of first migrants under France 'one in, one out' deal, drawing secrecy criticism

The Home Office refused to disclose basic information about the first migrants arriving in Britain under the France deal known as 'one in, one out', prompting renewed criticism from opposition. Officials confirmed a family of three arrived, including a small child, but nationality and other details were withheld to protect their anonymity. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the secrecy unacceptable and urged the government to publish daily numbers and nationalities of anyone brought to the country, saying trust in this government is already at rock bottom.

Four migrants have so far been sent back to France under the deal, and the Home Office confirmed they were an Indian national, an Eritrean, an Iranian and an Afghan. Since the treaty began on August 6, 6,752 small boat migrants have reached Britain. On September 19, Dover disembarkations occurred as part of a day when 1,072 arrivals across the Channel were recorded.

Labour says the scheme will undermine people-smuggling gangs by signaling that illegal entry may be fruitless, but critics warn it remains slow to operate. Even at full intake, the program is expected to remove only around 50 migrants a week.

Ministers have refused to discuss how individuals are selected, but officials have signaled a preference for nationalities with higher asylum grant rates, such as Syrians, Sudanese and Eritreans, and for applicants with relatives in Britain. Those who can show they have relatives here may also be prioritized.

To come to Britain under the deal, migrants must complete an online Home Office application, prove their identity, show they are currently in France and explain why they believe they are eligible, such as escape from war or persecution. The Home Office says applicants who have previously been removed from the United Kingdom or who pose a national security or public order risk will be barred. The treaty, however, prevents France from sharing any personal data about applicants with Britain, which raises the possibility that information such as criminal convictions could be overlooked.

Selected migrants will be flown to the United Kingdom at public expense, given a three-month visa, and then apply to regularise their stay, such as by lodging a full asylum claim. Last week, veteran border analyst John Vine told the Daily Mail that the government should disclose full facts about the scheme, including who is selected, because the public needs to know if it is working.

Legal challenges have already tested the plan. The High Court blocked the removal of an Eritrean small boat migrant who claimed he would be destitute if returned to France, citing his claim of exploitation in Libya. The Court of Appeal later rejected a government attempt to overturn that ruling. So far this year, 32,188 migrants have reached Britain by small boat, up 28% on the same point last year.

Britain has framed the one in, one out approach as a safeguard against traffickers and a way to provide a legal route for eligible migrants, but officials and opposition alike say transparency is essential if the scheme is to gain public trust and demonstrate whether it is effective in reducing Channel crossings.