Migrants living in northern French camps have dismissed the recent UK-France "one-in, one-out" agreement on returns as a fabrication.
Despite Sir Keir Starmer's efforts to deter those thinking about crossing the Channel from risking both their lives and finances, asylum seekers have expressed scepticism over the reality.
Speaking on the possibility of being sent back to France after arriving on Britain's shores, a 30-year-old Syrian named Ahmed said: "We think it's a lie, that it's not true."
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The deal with France aims to establish a reciprocal system whereby some asylum seekers arriving via small boats are returned in exchange for someone claiming asylum via a legal route.
Several individuals interviewed across encampments near Dunkirk and Calais acknowledged awareness of the returns programme.
Approximately twelve migrants familiar with the agreement remained unconvinced of its effectiveness, according to the Financial Times.
They told the publication they were determined to attempt the crossing regardless of Sir Keir's warnings.
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Migrants living in northern French camps have dismissed the recent UK-France 'one-in, one-out' agreement on returns as fabricated
|GETTY
"I've heard of it but this isn't true," said Yasan, a 27-year-old Syrian staying at Grande-Synthe.
"My friend left on a boat two days ago and he's in a hotel [in England] now."
Government figures indicate approximately 28,000 individuals have made the journey from France to England on small boats this year.
This trajectory suggests the number of 2025 crossings could surpass the previous peak established three years prior.
Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron chair the UK-France Summit
| REUTERSFresh statistics released Thursday revealed 111,084 asylum applications were submitted during Starmer's initial twelve months in office.
This represents an eight per cent rise compared to the earlier record set in 2002.
These increases persist despite the strengthened collaboration between London and Paris.
The UK has committed £540million for the 2023-2026 period, more than doubling its previous contribution to enhance coastal surveillance and recruit additional border personnel.
Trafficking groups have now packed vessels with greater numbers of passengers, with recent data showing an average of 63 individuals per boat over the past two months
|GETTY
Trafficking groups have now packed vessels with greater numbers of passengers, with recent data showing an average of 63 individuals per boat over the past two months.
It marks an increase from 55 during the corresponding timeframe last year and more than double the figure of under 30 recorded in 2021, according to Home Office statistics.
Additionally, smugglers have shifted launch sites to more remote coastal locations in an attempt to evade police patrols whilst increasing revenue through higher passenger volumes per crossing.
Under current French guidelines, officers can stop boats leaving the beach by puncturing them, but are not allowed to wade out unless migrants call for help, leading smugglers to exploit this loophole.