Full Breakdown
Children Detained as Adults Under UK-France “One-in-One-out” Deal
8/14/2026, 2:49:30 AM
Core Findings of Operation Hillmore
A letter from Jane Leech, interim chair of the independent monitoring boards, to Home Office minister Anna Turley revealed that 304 cases of disputed age arose between 15 August 2025 and 1 May 2026. Of those, 94 individuals (31 %) were assessed as minors, despite policy that excludes children from the scheme and limits detention of unaccompanied children to 24 hours. Leech noted that age assessments sometimes took 40 days or more after arrival at an immigration removal centre.
Scale of Returns and Arrivals
Government data covering 4 August 2025 to 30 June 2026 show that 1,087 people were returned to France under the “one-in-one-out” arrangement, while 27,920 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats during the same period. The figures illustrate the volume of individuals processed through the scheme.
Oversight and NGO Criticism
Leech warned that the deal placed highly vulnerable people—including children and survivors of abuse—in detention, citing cases of prolonged confinement, such as one man held for 27 weeks. She also highlighted inadequate health screening, noting a tuberculosis case transferred from Manston and another individual denied admission to Brook House because of critical health needs.
Imran Hussain, executive director of external affairs at the Refugee Council, described the numbers as “disturbing” and called for professional age assessments led by trained social workers, which he said are the most accurate method for determining age and protecting children.
Government Response
A Home Office spokesperson defended the use of robust age assessments to maintain border integrity and ensure appropriate safeguarding. The spokesperson announced plans to strengthen the process, including the rollout of artificial-intelligence technology from the following year to support age assessment.
