Keir Starmer struggles to finalize critical migrant return deal with France

The ongoing negotiations between the UK and France over migration control have reached a critical point, intensifying as Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK takes place. This visit is aimed at addressing significant bilateral concerns, particularly the rising number of illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel. With over 19,000 migrants arriving in the UK just in the first half of the year, the urgency for a resolution is higher than ever. Keir Starmer's proposed 'one in, one out' agreement, which would allow illegal migrants to be returned to France in exchange for asylum seekers with UK family ties, is at risk of collapse due to opposition from other EU countries, including Italy and Spain, fearing that it might open the floodgates for migrants to return to their shores. The talks, scheduled to include crucial discussions on border control measures and joint police tactics, have been met with increasing skepticism, as efforts to reduce illegal crossings through stricter enforcement have yielded little success. As international pressure mounts, both leaders recognize the need for collaborative strategies to manage the ongoing migrant crisis, but the path forward remains uncertain amid complex political landscapes on both sides of the Channel.