- Sir Keir Starmer is facing a fight to salvage his migrant deal with France, aimed at curbing illegal Channel crossings, ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's three-day state visit.
- The 'one in, one out' agreement, intended as a centrepiece of the visit, has stalled due to opposition from other EU countries concerned about asylum seekers being returned to their shores.
- Downing Street maintains the deal is not defunct but admits the situation is 'complex', as Britain is set to record a new high in illegal crossings.
- Migration, including discussions on 'returns hubs' and new tactics by French border police, will be a primary focus of talks between Sir Keir and President Macron.
- Sir Keir is under significant pressure to address the increasing number of small boat crossings, with record figures reported for the first six months of 2025.
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