Reform UK and France's National Rally sign proposed Channel migrant return pact

The short version

• Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and French National Rally president Jordan Bardella signed a memorandum of understanding on handling small-boat Channel crossings.
• Under the proposal, British forces would intercept boats in UK waters and return passengers to France, which would then deport them to their countries of origin.
• The agreement is not legally binding and depends on both right-wing opposition parties winning their respective future elections to take effect.

Key facts

• Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and French National Rally (RN) President Jordan Bardella signed a memorandum of understanding at Reform UK's annual conference in Birmingham.[BBC News]
• The document specifies that the UK would intercept migrant boats originating from French shores entering British waters and return passengers to France.[BBC News]
• The proposal states that France would 'ordinarily accept' returned individuals and deport them according to French repatriation and expulsion laws.[BBC News]
• The arrangement is currently an informal political agreement rather than a formal intergovernmental treaty, as neither party holds executive power.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

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