This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/15/three-things-the-uk-must-do-to-make-its-small-boats-deal-with-france-work

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Three things the UK must do to make its small-boats deal with France work Three things the UK must do to make its small boats deal with France work
(about 1 hour later)
Alex Fraser of the British Red Cross on the agreement on migrant Channel crossings announced by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel MacronAlex Fraser of the British Red Cross on the agreement on migrant Channel crossings announced by Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron
With the much-anticipated Channel crossings deal with France, the government has an opportunity to build on the UK’s proud history of offering sanctuary to people who desperately need it, and to save lives (Starmer hails ‘groundbreaking’ deal to return small-boat migrants to France, 10 July). As the prime minister noted, it is entirely right to provide a haven to people in the most dire need, and international collaboration is key to solving the global problem of displacement. But for the pilot to be successful, the UK government must keep these three things front of mind.With the much-anticipated Channel crossings deal with France, the government has an opportunity to build on the UK’s proud history of offering sanctuary to people who desperately need it, and to save lives (Starmer hails ‘groundbreaking’ deal to return small-boat migrants to France, 10 July). As the prime minister noted, it is entirely right to provide a haven to people in the most dire need, and international collaboration is key to solving the global problem of displacement. But for the pilot to be successful, the UK government must keep these three things front of mind.
First, the scheme must be open to all people in need of protection – and the process must be quick and simple. This will mean a fairer, safer alternative to Channel crossings, so that no one falls into the hands of smugglers.First, the scheme must be open to all people in need of protection – and the process must be quick and simple. This will mean a fairer, safer alternative to Channel crossings, so that no one falls into the hands of smugglers.
Second, humanity and compassion must be at the heart of the scheme. We’re concerned that more people could be detained through this process. We know the impact that living in detention has on people’s physical and mental health. There must be proper assessments to prevent people with health conditions, trauma or other vulnerabilities from being placed in harmful environments. Tailored support, advice and information at all stages of the new process will be essential.Second, humanity and compassion must be at the heart of the scheme. We’re concerned that more people could be detained through this process. We know the impact that living in detention has on people’s physical and mental health. There must be proper assessments to prevent people with health conditions, trauma or other vulnerabilities from being placed in harmful environments. Tailored support, advice and information at all stages of the new process will be essential.
Finally, it’s important that people with a close family connection – including siblings – in the UK can access the scheme. Families should be together. We know from our decades of experience supporting refugees across the UK that being with loved ones is essential for people to rebuild their lives and integrate.Finally, it’s important that people with a close family connection – including siblings – in the UK can access the scheme. Families should be together. We know from our decades of experience supporting refugees across the UK that being with loved ones is essential for people to rebuild their lives and integrate.
Behind every number crossing the Channel is a human being with hopes and fears. They have endured unimaginable suffering, and too many are losing their lives.Alex FraserDirector of refugee services, British Red CrossBehind every number crossing the Channel is a human being with hopes and fears. They have endured unimaginable suffering, and too many are losing their lives.Alex FraserDirector of refugee services, British Red Cross
Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.