At a glance...
• A second migrant deported to France under the UK’s “one in, one out” deal has returned to Britain, where he was identified by biometrics and detained for re-removal
• The case follows another Iranian migrant who re-entered the UK weeks after removal, prompting criticism that the small boats plan is in “total chaos”
• The Home Office defended the system but over 1,700 people have crossed the Channel between November 6 and 8
A second small boat migrant sent back across the English Channel under the Government's "one in, one out" deal with France has returned to the UK.
The Home Office confirmed he had entered Britain again on Monday and said he would be returned "as quickly as possible".
It is understood he was identified by his photo and fingerprints when he arrived and has been detained in preparation for his deportation back to France.
In just three days between November 6 and 8, more than 1,700 people made the dangerous journey across the Channel in small boats, Home Office data shows.
It follows another migrant who returned to the UK on a small boat weeks after being removed to France under the Government’s "one in, one out" deal being sent back across the Channel last week.
The Home Office confirmed that the Iranian national was put on a morning flight back to the continent last Wednesday.
He was first removed on September 19, becoming the third person to be sent to France under the scheme. But he returned on October 18.
His second crossing back to the country prompted criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch that the Government’s small boats plan is in "total chaos", while ministers insisted his detection on arrival "shows the system is working".
The man had claimed to have been a victim of modern slavery at the hands of smuggling gangs in France, but his appeal for asylum in Britain was rejected.
A Home Office spokesman said: “Anyone looking to return to the UK after being removed under the UK-France agreement is wasting their time and money.
“This individual was detected by biometrics and detained immediately. His case will be expedited, and he will be returned to France as quickly as possible.
“The message is clear: if you try to return to the UK you will be sent back. We will do whatever it takes to scale up removals of illegal migrants and secure our borders.”
