UK-French small boats pilot plan comes into force

The UK-French "one-in, one-out" pilot scheme to reduce small boat crossings in the Channel has begun, with detentions of illegal migrants imminent. The deal allows for some arrivals to be detained and returned to France, with the UK accepting an equal number of asylum seekers from France. The agreement aims to deter dangerous journeys, with potential returns starting within weeks, after the European Commission and EU member states approved the plan, despite some political opposition.