Story perspectives

Starmer's Migrant Plan Falls Short Amid Legal Challenges

3/12/2026

Left

Starmer's Migrant Policy

Sir Keir Starmer's 'one in, one out' migrant return scheme has returned 12 migrants per week to France, far below the promised 50.
Legal challenges from migrants claiming the scheme is unlawful complicate implementation.
The asylum backlog has nearly doubled to over 80,000 cases, raising concerns about the government's ability to fulfill promises.
Families facing forced removal plead for more time to decide, fearing for their children's futures.

Right

Starmer's ID Struggles

Keir Starmer's digital ID scheme faces significant opposition within his Cabinet, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
The project has been scaled back, dropping mandatory right-to-work checks and losing its ministerial champion, Josh Simons.
Technical challenges persist, with no planned integration between the NHS app and the digital ID system.
Ministers say the initiative will give citizens greater control over personal data and modernize public services.

1 of 2

Starmer's Migrant Policy

Sir Keir Starmer's 'one in, one out' migrant return scheme has returned 12 migrants per week to France, far below the promised 50.
Legal challenges from migrants claiming the scheme is unlawful complicate implementation.
The asylum backlog has nearly doubled to over 80,000 cases, raising concerns about the government's ability to fulfill promises.
Families facing forced removal plead for more time to decide, fearing for their children's futures.

1 / 2