The Home Office has unveiled video footage of the initial group deportations of individuals who arrived via small boats under an accord with France.
In the last week, two group flights have sent back 19 individuals to France, with the second flight touching down in France earlier today before proceeding to Eastern Europe.
The video from the first group flight shows individuals boarding the plane, their identities obscured.
This development follows the removal of seven individuals from the UK last month as part of an understanding struck with French President Emmanuel Macron over the summer.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood cautioned individuals contemplating entering Britain by small boat to reconsider their actions.
She highlighted the stark contrast with the failed Rwanda initiative by the Tories, which cost taxpayers £700 million and led to only four voluntary departures from the UK.
These events unfold against the backdrop of mounting pressure on the Government to address the small boats predicament, as Nigel Farage’s Reform party gains traction in opinion polls. Mahmood, now at the helm of the Home Office, is anticipated to adopt a stringent approach to safeguarding Britain’s borders.
Mahmood stated, “We must halt these perilous Channel crossings that imperil lives and enrich criminal syndicates.”
“The distinction is glaring. The previous government’s Rwanda venture took years, consumed hundreds of millions of pounds, and failed to expel a single individual. In just a few weeks, we have repatriated 26 people through our landmark agreement with France.
“With flights to France now operational and increasing, we are sending a clear message: if you attempt an illegal entry, you risk detention and expulsion, so weigh your decision carefully before embarking on that journey.”
BLUESKY: Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. Stay updated with our Mirror Politics team here – Lizzy Buchan, Mikey Smith, Ashley Cowburn, Alexander Brown, Sophie Huskisson, and Dave Burke.
POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be the first to receive major revelations and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. Additionally, we offer exclusive deals, promotions, and advertisements to our community members. You can opt-out of our community at any time. For more information, read our Privacy Notice.
NEWSLETTER: Sign up here for the Mirror’s Politics newsletter to receive the latest exclusives and viewpoints directly to your email inbox.
PARTY GAMES: Check out our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhBXyhfTA13cBicTFs3dR_6xgCk_COF" target="_self