A new Future Governance Forum (FGF) report — Rethinking Migration 01: The case for a new progressive deal with Europe — calls on the new Prime Minister to renew and expand the current pilot migration deal with France to allow the government to reduce dangerous small boat crossings and restore public trust in the asylum system.
With the current deal set to expire in autumn, the report calls for it to be expanded into a permanent, bespoke UK-EU migration cooperation framework that would increase access to safe routes to the UK, while strengthening our capacity to return those who arrive via irregular routes.
New polling suggests there is significant public support for this approach – particularly among the key voters that Labour needs to win ahead of the next general election.
What the report recommends:
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End the chaos of smugglers and small boats by pursuing a major returns deal with Europe in which 80% of people arriving via small boat and lorry from Europe would be returned, creating a serious, visible deterrent.
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Control arrivals, don’t end arrivals by dropping the ‘one-for-one’ requirement from the current deal and significantly boosting access to inbound safe routes from the EU, offering real protection to those in need.
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Restore order through closer cooperation with Europe by negotiating a permanent, bespoke UK-EU migration cooperation framework as part of the wider reset strategy.
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End asylum hotel dependence by accommodating 50% of new arrivals via community sponsorship and lifting the ban on asylum seekers’ right to work in the UK.
What the polling shows:
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62% of 2024 Labour voters support a ‘routes for returns’ deal with Europe
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67% of Labour right-leaning switchers who remain open to voting for the party support the policy
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65% of Labour progressive switchers support the policy
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58% of Green voters support the policy
