Downing Street has denied that the government's returns deal with France is in chaos after plans to forcibly remove from the UK people arriving in small boats were abandoned for a second day. Asked by reporters if the latest delay meant the so-called one in one out agreement was a shambles, the prime minister's spokesperson said No. The response came after plans on Monday and Tuesday to fly rejected asylum applicants to Paris were dropped.
Dozens of migrants were detained in Dover last month under the agreement and are expected to be returned to France "imminently". It is understood that formal removal directions have been issued to asylum seekers to say they will be deported to France within five days. In return, it was agreed that the UK will accept an equal number of asylum seekers who have not tried to cross and can pass security and eligibility checks.