The Story Will the UK-France migrant deal stop the boats?
Aug 6, 2025
In this discussion, Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor at The Times, dives into the UK’s escalating immigration tensions. He examines the significance of the government's new migrant deal with France and its potential impact on small boat arrivals. The conversation also addresses the rise of far-right groups leveraging public discontent and the misconceptions surrounding illegal migration, fueled by economic fears and sensational media portrayals. Dathan sheds light on the complexities of public sentiment and the challenges of effective immigration policies.
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Far-Right Hijack of Local Protests
- Local protests began over a migrant charged with sexual assault near Epping's Bell Hotel.
- Peaceful protests on women's safety were hijacked by far-right groups, escalating tensions.
Misconceptions on Immigration Scale
- Public perception wrongly inflates illegal immigration compared to legal migration.
- Legal migration made up 96% of immigration last year, with illegal only about 4%.
Keep Migrant Removal Numbers Secret
- Do not disclose exact migrant removal numbers to avoid aiding people smugglers' tactics.
- Keep removal scale uncertain to reduce incentives for migrants to attempt crossings.