Ministers are prepared to return more than 100 migrants who arrived by small boat to France as Reform UK sets out its plan to tackle the migrant crisis. The proposals include changes to asylum rules and the use of deportations, with a group of over 100 migrants in detention identified as potential first candidates for removal. A plan to implement a one-in, one-out migrant deal with France is described as likely within weeks. Nigel Farage criticised the PM’s approach, saying the measures would have little effect.

A record 28,288 people have crossed the Channel by small boats so far this year, with 212 people arriving in four boats on Sunday. The total is 46% higher than at the same point in 2024. Officials say further boats were seen leaving on Monday, although totals have not yet been published.

Reform would seek to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and scrap the Human Rights Act, replacing them with a British Bill of Rights that would apply to British citizens and those legally in the UK. Those arriving on unauthorised routes would have no right to asylum and could be housed at former military bases before deportation to the country of origin or to third countries such as Rwanda or Albania. Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle called Reform and the government’s approach ‘fantasy solutions’ and said they lacked substance. A government source said that by the end of the year at least five more hotels are expected to close, with a further wave of closures in the new year, as protests at sites housing asylum seekers continued and the government faced possible legal battles over hotels.